Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Orange creamsicles are a beloved summertime treat, but those vanilla and orange flavors don’t have to stay in the freezer. Orange creamsicle cookies transform the classic citrus-ice cream combination into a delightful treat that won’t melt in your hands.

These pudding cookies are almost like chocolate chip cookies, except they have plenty of orange zest and white chocolate chips incorporated into the dough. They’re moist, chewy and flavorful—truly the ideal nostalgic sweet. Make a batch (or several!) for a bake sale or put out a platter for your next backyard barbecue dessert table.

Ingredients for Orange Creamsicle Cookies

• Butter: Unsalted butter works best for this cookie dough. Be sure to soften the butter to room temperature before mixing for the best texture.
• Sugars: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness, while the brown sugar also introduces a depth of flavor to the cookie dough.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients in the dough and help the cookies rise while baking. It’s best to use room-temperature eggs for baking.
• Orange zest: Use fresh zest from one orange to add vibrant flavor to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla extract: Using a good vanilla extract vs. imitation vanilla is better for the overall flavor of most baked goods.
• Orange extract: Orange extract works with the orange zest for a bigger citrus punch.
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for these creamsicle orange cookies.
• Instant vanilla pudding: A package of pudding mix contributes to the cookies’ taste and texture. It provides rich moisture while incorporating plenty of vanilla for an ice cream-forward flavor.
• Baking soda: A small amount of baking soda goes a long way in creating excellent texture and shape for these cookies.
• White chocolate chips: White chocolate chips paired with orange zest create the ideal orange creamsicle combination.

Directions

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Beat in the eggs, orange zest and extracts.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix and baking soda. Gradually beat the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in the white baking chips.

Step 3: Form and bake the cookies

Scoop the dough by 1/4 cupfuls and place them 2 inches apart onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and cool them on wire racks.

Orange Creamsicle Cookie Variations

• Use another pudding mix: Vanilla pudding mix boosts the flavor of these cookies, but you could use another option, such as cheesecake or French vanilla pudding mix.
• Use white chocolate chunks: Incorporate white chocolate chunks, chopped white chocolate or even mini white chocolate chips instead.
• Add a glaze: For more orange flavor, make a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze and add orange zest. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies.

How to Store Orange Creamsicle Cookies

To maintain the best taste and texture, store these creamsicle orange cookies in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They’ll last up to four days at room temperature or up to one week in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze orange creamsicle cookies?

You can certainly freeze cookies. Store them in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to two months. When it’s time for a cookie, let it thaw at room temperature.

Orange Creamsicle Cookie Tips

What can you do if you can’t find orange extract?

If you can’t find orange extract, there are other ways to amp up the orange flavor in this recipe for orange creamsicle cookies. Increase the amount of orange zest added to the dough, or use 1/2 teaspoon of orange juice.

What if my cookies are spreading too much in the oven?

If your cookies spread too much while baking, it’s likely due to the oven’s temperature or the dough. Try chilling the dough in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before baking another sheet full of cookies. You can also check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

What’s the best pudding for orange creamsicle cookies?

For this recipe for orange creamsicle cookies, use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding mix. While the recipe calls for instant vanilla pudding mix, you can use sugar-free to reduce the sugar content.