If you have a soft spot for that nostalgic, dreamy treat from childhood, let me introduce you to the ultimate Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture all the bright, citrusy goodness of a creamsicle in a soft, chewy cookie form, blending the tang of orange with the sweet, creamy hints of white chocolate. They are surprisingly easy to make yet deliver a flavor punch that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for any occasion where you want a little sunshine in your baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using pantry staples that combine to create a flavorful, textured cookie. Each ingredient plays a unique role, enhancing the taste, color, and softness so you get that perfect balance every time.
- White cake mix (15.25 oz box): Acts as the base, providing structure and tenderness.
- Orange Jell-O (3 oz box): Adds vibrant color and a tangy orange flavor that’s unmistakable.
- Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Gives a fresh, aromatic burst of citrus to brighten the cookies.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and contribute to a moist, chewy texture.
- Salted butter (8 tablespoons, softened): Infuses richness and helps achieve that perfect cookie softness.
- White chocolate chips (11 oz bag): Add creamy sweetness and a luscious texture contrast.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by gathering all your ingredients to have everything at hand, which makes the process smoother. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, orange Jell-O powder, and orange zest. This mixture is the foundation for infusing the cookies with their bright orange flavor and beautiful color.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter and eggs to the dry mix. Using a hand mixer set on medium speed, beat everything together for a minute or two until just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the white chocolate chips into the dough. These little bits bring rich pockets of creaminess that complement the citrus perfectly—so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion your dough into balls and arrange them on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges look set but the tops might still appear slightly wet. If needed, add another 1 to 3 minutes to ensure they cook through without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and makes them easier to handle—then dig in to enjoy your masterpiece!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe for a special occasion, try sprinkling a tiny bit of coarse sugar on top before baking for an extra sparkle. Fresh orange slices on the side also make a visually stunning and flavorful garnish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of vanilla bean ice cream for a divine creamsicle-inspired dessert experience. They also taste delightful alongside a citrus-infused tea or a light sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these cookies into an ice cream sandwich with some creamy vanilla or orange sherbet in the middle. They’re also fantastic crumbled over yogurt parfaits or served on a dessert platter with other citrus-themed treats for a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for quick snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For unbaked dough, scoop onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers; just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave briefly on a low setting. This brings back their soft, chewy texture and makes them feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O for this recipe?
Absolutely! While orange Jell-O is key for the classic creamsicle flavor, experimenting with other flavors like lemon or raspberry can create unique, delicious twists on this cookie base.
Do I need to let the dough chill before baking?
This Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, which makes it perfect for quick baking. Just scoop and bake immediately for soft, chewy results.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with another type?
White chocolate chips complement the orange flavor beautifully, but feel free to use milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a more intense chocolate balance. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I make the cookies more citrusy?
Adding extra orange zest or a small amount of fresh orange juice to the dough can boost the citrus flavor, making these cookies even more vibrant and reminiscent of the classic creamsicle taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses a regular white cake mix which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free white cake mix to make the cookies gluten-free. Check ingredients to ensure compatibility.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe is a bright, cheerful treat that brings together simplicity and nostalgic flavor in the most delightful way. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become your go-to for sharing smiles and sweet moments with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and savor every bite!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful Orange Creamsicle Cookies that perfectly capture the nostalgic taste of the classic orange creamsicle. Made with a white cake mix, orange Jell-O, fresh orange zest, and studded with creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies bake up tender with a delicate citrus sweetness. A quick and easy recipe ideal for an afternoon treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 box orange Jell-O powder (3 oz)
- 2 tbsp orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 tbsp salted butter, softened
Add-ins
- 1 bag white chocolate chips (11 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, orange Jell-O powder, and fresh orange zest thoroughly to distribute the citrus flavor evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the two large room temperature eggs and softened salted butter to the dry mixture. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat for 1 to 2 minutes until the dough is fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the entire bag (11 oz) of white chocolate chips into the cookie dough with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without overmixing.
- Portion Dough: Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Place each ball approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops no longer appear wet. If needed, extend baking time by 1 to 3 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them stand on the baking sheets for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully cooled, serve these luscious orange creamsicle cookies as a bright and tasty treat perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
- Using fresh orange zest enhances the citrus flavor compared to dried zest.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft centers; watch for the edges to set as a marker of doneness.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
