These Orange Creamsicle Cookies combine bright orange and creamy vanilla for a soft, fragrant cookie finished with a white chocolate drizzle.
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As a kid I always looked forward to ice cream Fridays at school. If the Fudgesicles were gone, an Orange Creamsicle or Dreamsicle was my second choice. The combination of vanilla and orange is nostalgic and perfect in cookie form. These cookies are soft, fragrant with citrus, and get a simple white chocolate drizzle when cooled.
Quick glance: what you need for Orange Creamsicle Cookies
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- light brown sugar
- eggs
- orange zest
- vanilla extract
- fresh orange juice
- orange gel food coloring (optional)
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- salt
- white chocolate chips
How to make Orange Creamsicle Cookies
These cookies are straightforward to prepare. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and creamy. This step incorporates air and helps create a tender texture—mix on medium to high speed for a few minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the orange zest, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice, mixing until combined. If you want a more vivid orange color, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring and whisk it in.
Dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The dough will be slightly sticky; you can chill it briefly if you prefer firmer cookies, but two spoons or a scoop work well for portioning.
Baking and finishing
Bake the cookies until the edges are set and the centers are just set—about 8 minutes works well, but oven times vary. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating with white chocolate
When the cookies are cool, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies using a fork or a piping bag. Let the chocolate set before serving.
More orange-flavored treats
- Orange macarons
- Dreamsicle orange punch
- Orange creamsicle naked cake
- Orange marshmallow fruit dip
Quick FAQ: Orange Creamsicle Cookies
- Are Orange Creamsicle and Orange Dreamsicle the same? Yes—the flavor combination of orange and vanilla is the same, though the names are used by different brands.
- Can I substitute orange juice? You need a clear orange flavor in the cookies. Fresh orange juice plus zest gives the best fresh citrus taste. If using orange extract, use about half the amount called for, since extracts are concentrated.
- How long should I bake these cookies? Baking for around 8 minutes typically yields soft, slightly chewy cookies. Adjust time a minute or two as needed for your oven and preferred texture.
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
This recipe was developed for Dixie Crystals; the full printable recipe card is available on their site.
If you make these, please share a photo on social media with the hashtag #bigbearswife — I love seeing your versions!
