Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're a fan of citrus desserts, these creamsicle orange cookies will quickly become a favorite. The tangy orange zest paired with creamy vanilla gives the cookies a sweet yet refreshing flavor. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing at any occasion, whether it's a sunny afternoon or a holiday treat. The texture is soft and chewy, making them irresistible with every bite. They’re light but satisfying, and the bright orange flavor provides a burst of freshness that’s balanced perfectly with a sweet creaminess.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
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1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
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½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
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Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra creamy bite, try adding white chocolate chips to the dough.
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Use Orange Extract: If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can substitute orange extract for the zest and juice.
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Make them Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free butter and sugar for a vegan version.
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Add a Glaze: For an extra burst of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
Storage/Reheating
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for an hour before enjoying. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute bottled orange juice, but fresh orange juice and zest provide a more vibrant and natural flavor.
2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
3. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough for added crunch.
4. Why are my cookies too flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, check if your butter was too soft or if you overmixed the dough. You may also want to chill the dough before baking.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. For the best results, use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
6. How can I make these cookies softer?
Be sure not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
7. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bake the cookies when you're ready to enjoy them!
8. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
9. Can I frost these cookies?
Yes, you can frost them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for extra sweetness.
10. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for mixing the dough. Just be sure to not overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Conclusion
These creamsicle orange cookies are a delightful, citrusy treat that everyone will love. With the perfect balance of fresh orange zest and sweet vanilla, they offer a fun twist on a classic cookie. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just looking for something sweet, these cookies are sure to brighten up your day.
Delicious Creamsicle Orange Cookies
These creamsicle orange cookies are a delightful blend of fresh orange flavor and sweet, creamy goodness. With a soft, chewy texture and a citrusy kick, they’re the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of orange and cream. These cookies have a light, fluffy bite that’s reminiscent of your favorite creamsicle popsicle!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra creamy bite, try adding white chocolate chips to the dough.
- If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can substitute orange extract for the zest and juice.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free butter and sugar.
- For an extra burst of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To prevent cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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