Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe

If the nostalgia of a classic creamsicle and the comfort of a warm, gooey cookie got together for a sweet and zingy kitchen adventure, you’d end up with these Creamsicle Orange Cookies. They’re soft, bursting with sunny citrus, and tickled with bits of creamy white chocolate. Every bite is a bright, playful treat that’s both delightfully simple and instantly craveable. Whether you need an easy dessert for the family or a zingy pick-me-up for your own afternoons, this recipe is a sure way to put a smile on your face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about Creamsicle Orange Cookies is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each one has a special role, adding to the signature flavor, dreamy texture, or irresistible color!

• White cake mix (15.25 ounces): The ultimate shortcut, cake mix makes these cookies extra soft, thick, and subtly sweet with minimal fuss.
• Orange jello (3 ounces): Adds a punch of citrusy flavor and that iconic creamsicle hue that makes these cookies stand out!
• Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Fresh zest is the secret to making the orange flavor truly pop—don’t skip it!
• Salted butter (8 tablespoons, softened): Salted butter rounds out the sweetness and adds rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Eggs help hold the dough together and create those perfect, puffy cookies.
• White chocolate chips (11 ounces): The creamy, sweet white chocolate is what makes these cookies taste just like a vintage creamsicle treat.

How to Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so your Creamsicle Orange Cookies lift off with zero fuss. Lining the pans means no sticking and easy clean-up—always a win.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Take a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, and add in the white cake mix, orange gelatin powder, and fresh orange zest. Whisk them together until everything looks evenly speckled with citrus. This step ensures those zesty bits and that vibrant orange powder are mixed into every bite.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Toss in your softened salted butter and two room-temperature eggs. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture just until it’s fully combined—about two minutes. Scrape down the sides to catch everything. You want a thick, smooth dough that already smells like orange heaven!

Step 4: Add the White Chocolate Chips

Now, for the best part: fold those white chocolate chips right into the dough. Be gentle here—just enough to get chips scattered throughout for creamy pockets in every cookie.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or a generous spoon), scoop out the cookie dough and roll each scoop into a ball with your hands. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up and spread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers look ever-so-slightly underbaked. Resist the urge to overbake—these cookies finish setting up as they cool. Let them rest on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This patience pays off with cookies that are still soft and chewy.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Now the only thing left is to dive in! Creamsicle Orange Cookies are best shared with friends and family, or enjoyed secretly with your favorite book and a cup of tea.

How to Serve Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Garnishes

Add a flourish by sprinkling a little extra orange zest on top of each cookie right after baking—this not only looks gorgeous, but it amps up that citrus aroma. For a finishing touch, a quick drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies catches the light and makes your batch look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair Creamsicle Orange Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate creamsicle-on-a-plate experience. A tall glass of cold milk or a mug of herbal tea provides the perfect counterbalance to their zesty sweetness. For a brunch vibe, set out a fruit platter with strawberries and pineapple—the flavors play beautifully together!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a party, stack Creamsicle Orange Cookies high on a pastel cake stand, or gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon for a cheerful, homemade treat. For a fun twist, sandwich a layer of orange sherbet between two cookies and freeze for inspired, summery ice cream sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, pop your Creamsicle Orange Cookies into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft, bright, and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long! Be sure to let them fully cool before sealing to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Place cooled cookies in a single layer inside a freezer bag or airtight container. Use parchment between layers to keep them from sticking, then freeze for up to three months. When you need a sunny treat, just let thaw on the counter for about an hour.

Reheating

If you like your Creamsicle Orange Cookies warm and melty, pop one or two in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes the white chocolate chips deliciously gooey again.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular butter for salted butter?

Yes! If you’re using unsalted butter, just add a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt to the dough. This helps balance out the sweetness and keeps the flavors bright and rounded.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is needed for this recipe—one of the joys of Creamsicle Orange Cookies is how quickly they go from mixing bowl to oven, making them a fantastic last-minute treat!

Can I use another flavor of gelatin instead of orange?

While orange is classic for that creamsicle vibe, you can have fun with other citrus flavors like lemon or even try a berry twist for something different. Just keep in mind it will change the overall taste and color.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater, making sure to only grate the bright orange part of the peel and avoid the white pith (it’s bitter). Fresh zest provides the punchiest citrus aroma for your Creamsicle Orange Cookies.

Can I mix in nuts or other add-ins?

Chopped macadamia nuts or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut add delicious texture and a tropical note. Keep total add-ins to about a cup so the cookies hold together well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your baking routine, there’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade Creamsicle Orange Cookies. The mix of orange, cream, and nostalgia is sure to become a family favorite—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the cheeriest, easiest cookies around!

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