Name: Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon orange extract; 1/2 teaspoon orange gel food coloring; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a burst of bright, nostalgic flavor wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie, you’re going to adore this Creamsicle Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats capture the perfect blend of creamy vanilla and zesty orange, just like the classic creamsicle ice cream bars we all loved as kids. The texture is wonderfully tender thanks to the secret addition of instant pudding mix, while the hints of orange extract and food coloring bring that vibrant, sunny look and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several soft orange-colored cookies with smooth white chocolate chips are arranged on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. One cookie near the center has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft, slightly crumbly inside with a mix of orange dough and white chips. The cookies show small cracks and ridges on the surface, with some loose white chocolate chips scattered around. The overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy butter to the punch of orange extract and the smooth white chocolate chips, these simple components combine to make magic happen in your kitchen.

3/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking for golden edges.
2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add moisture for that perfect chewiness.
1 teaspoon orange extract: The star flavor giving these cookies their signature bright, citrusy twist.
1/2 teaspoon orange gel food coloring: Adds that inviting vibrant orange hue, mimicking the creamsicle treat.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base needed for soft, yet structured cookies.
3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding powder: Secret weapon for irresistible softness and subtle vanilla undertone.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies for just the right rise and lightness.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Melts slightly for pockets of creamy sweetness that complement the citrus perfectly.

How to Make Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, no sticking means perfect bottoms on every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to that tender cookie crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs, Orange Extract, and Coloring

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange extract and orange gel food coloring. This is where your dough starts to take on that signature creamy citrus vibe, together with the vibrant look that makes these cookies so inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, vanilla instant pudding mix, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures they’re evenly distributed before adding them to your wet mixture, so you get consistent flavor and texture throughout.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet and stir until everything is combined. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing, which can toughen cookies.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips

Now fold in the white chocolate chips gently to incorporate sweet, creamy bursts that melt just right during baking, pairing wonderfully with the tangy orange flavor.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out the dough balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press them down slightly and, if you like, add a couple of white chocolate chips on top of each for an extra pretty finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Light Golden

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate light golden color. Check halfway through and rotate the pans if needed, so they bake evenly and get that perfect texture.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool but keep that delightfully soft center we all crave.

How to Serve Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

A silver metal baking tray holds twelve round orange cookies with white chips scattered on top, arranged in a neat 3 by 4 grid on white parchment paper. Each cookie has a soft textured surface with cracks and three to four white chips visible in irregular spots. On the bottom right, a spatula with a silver blade and a wooden handle lifts one cookie slightly. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with sliced dried oranges and small white chips around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, try dusting the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate on top. These little garnishes not only look stunning but add a bit of extra sweetness and visual appeal that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of bright Earl Grey tea, which complements the orange notes beautifully. For an adult twist, consider serving alongside a creamy vanilla latte or a lightly chilled sparkling citrus drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the cookie plate! Stack these beauties on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh mint or small orange wedges for a pop of color. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of vanilla buttercream or orange marmalade for an irresistible treat everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Creamsicle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their vibrant color and soft texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead in bulk, you can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, and cookies, once baked, for about a month.

Reheating

To bring frozen cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 5-7 minutes. This will help revive their gooey, fresh-baked texture, making it feel like you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange extract?

While orange juice adds natural flavor, it also adds moisture that can affect the cookie dough’s consistency and baking time. Orange extract is concentrated and perfect for this recipe’s balance of flavor and texture.

What purpose does the instant pudding mix serve?

The instant pudding powder keeps the cookies extra soft and moist, and it adds a subtle vanilla flavor that enhances the overall creamsicle taste without being overpowering.

Can I substitute white chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! If you prefer, chopped white chocolate bars, white candy melts, or even dried fruit like cranberries would work. Just remember that changing the mix-ins can tweak the flavor profile.

Why do the cookies have a slightly orange color?

The orange gel food coloring combined with the orange extract gives the dough a bright, cheerful hue that mimics the classic creamsicle look, making these cookies as delightful to see as they are to eat.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges with a soft, slightly underbaked center. The cookies will firm up as they cool but should still maintain a tender, chewy texture inside.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this Creamsicle Cookies Recipe in your kitchen. It’s one of those easy, feel-good recipes that brings a sunny burst of flavor and comforting softness with every bite. Whether for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own, these cookies truly bring a little sunshine to any day. Happy baking!