Pin These soft and chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies bring the sunshine of a classic orange creamsicle right into your kitchen. With bright citrus zest, luscious white chocolate chips, and a pillowy texture, they are the kind of crowd-pleasing treat you will find yourself craving all year long. Perfect for gatherings or quick afternoon indulgence, these cookies are a celebration of orange and vanilla in every bite.
I first whipped up these cookies on a rainy weekend looking for a pick-me-up treat with my kids. Now they beg to bake them for birthdays and family movie nights and they never last long on the counter.
Ingredients
- White cake mix: Choose a favorite brand for the best results and seek out one with a fine crumb for that classic chewy bite
- Orange gelatin powder: Infuses the dough with vibrant color and a burst of citrusy sweetness Use a fresh box for maximum flavor
- Orange zest: The secret to true creamsicle flavor Look for firm thin-skinned oranges and zest only the bright orange layer for fragrant oils
- Salted butter: Softened for smooth mixing Quality real butter provides flavor and structure A favorite small batch creamery brand is always a plus
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend best into dough giving a plush texture Choose large eggs with uncracked shells and rich yolk color for best results
- White chocolate chips: Bring vanilla richness Use a good quality chip that melts smoothly like Ghirardelli or Guittard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats This stops sticking and helps cookies bake evenly
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together the white cake mix orange gelatin powder and orange zest in a large bowl Mix thoroughly until the vibrant color is uniform throughout Every bit of zest should be coated by the dry mix
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Add softened butter and the room temperature eggs to the dry mix Use a stand or hand mixer to beat everything together Start on low to avoid flour clouds then increase to medium for about two minutes Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to catch any unmixed portions
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips
- Gently add the white chocolate chips to the dough Using a spatula fold until the chips are evenly dispersed throughout The dough should be thick and sticky
- Portion and Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out about one and a half tablespoon portions Use your hands to gently roll each scoop into a smooth ball Set the dough balls on the prepared sheets leaving about two inches between for spreading
- Bake
- Place the cookies in the oven and bake for ten to thirteen minutes Look for edges that are set but centers still soft The cookies will finish setting as they cool You want pale centers with slightly golden edges
- Cool
- Remove baking sheets from the oven Let cookies cool on the tray for ten minutes before transferring to a rack for complete cooling This stops breaking and keeps them extra chewy
Pin The burst of orange zest is my favorite part I once grated a fresh orange that filled our kitchen with such a floral scent my kids thought I had lit a candle instead of baking cookies It is what gives that unmistakable creamsicle magic
Storage Tips
Once the cookies are fully cooled store them in an airtight container at room temperature They will stay soft for about five days For longer storage freeze the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container and they will keep for up to three months Let them thaw on the counter before serving for best texture and flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of white cake mix a vanilla or yellow version will work in a pinch Lemon zest can substitute for orange for a citrus twist and unsalted butter with a small pinch of added salt works perfectly If you do not have white chocolate chips try chopped white chocolate bars instead
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of milk or even a cup of Earl Grey tea For parties stack them high on a platter or tuck a few into cellophane bags as take-home favors For summer gatherings sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fun twist
Cultural and Historical Notes
Though inspired by the creamsicle popsicle a classic American treat these cookies have become a staple for celebrations from birthdays to holidays The combination of orange and vanilla evokes nostalgia for childhood summers and continues to delight new generations
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in lemon lime or tangerine zest for seasonal citrus spins Color the dough with natural fruit powders for a brighter look around spring Dress up for the holidays by adding festive sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate
Success Stories
I have seen these cookies disappear from bake sale tables in minutes One neighbor begged for the recipe after tasting only half a cookie They are reliable favorites for school parties and get-togethers because everyone loves their soft texture and cheerful color
Freezer Meal Conversion
To prep ahead scoop and freeze dough balls on a tray Once solid store them in a freezer bag Bake straight from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time This makes fresh cookies available whenever a craving strikes
Pin Bake up a batch and let the creamsicle magic transport you to sunny days with every bite These cookies bring instant joy from the very first taste
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of cake mix, softened butter, and the right baking time helps ensure a soft, chewy texture.
- → Can I use fresh oranges for zest?
Yes, freshly grated orange zest gives the cookies a vibrant and natural citrus flavor.
- → Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is necessary. You can scoop and bake the dough right after mixing for best results.
- → How should I store the cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- → Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.