Here’s a soft, chewy, citrusy recipe for Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies — inspired by that classic orange-vanilla creamsicle flavor. These cookies are fresh, bright, and perfect year-round!
🍊 Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies
⭐ Ingredients
For about 24 cookies:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp orange extract or zest of 1–2 oranges (zest gives the best flavor)
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional for stronger citrus flavor)
Optional Coating
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Optional Creamsicle Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp orange juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Extra zest if desired
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl:
- Beat softened butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg & Flavoring
Mix in:
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Orange extract or orange zest
- (Optional) Orange juice
Mix until smooth.
5. Add Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the flour mixture.
- Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
Dough will be soft but shouldn’t stick excessively.
6. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop dough into 1–1.5 inch balls.
- Roll in extra sugar if desired.
- Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
- Bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Edges should be set, centers slightly soft — they’ll continue firming as they cool.
- Cool on a wire rack.
8. Optional: Creamsicle Glaze
Mix:
- Powdered sugar
- Orange juice
- Vanilla
Drizzle over cooled cookies for a stronger creamsicle flavor.
🍊 Tips for Perfect Creamsicle Cookies
- Orange zest offers stronger, fresher flavor than extract.
- Don’t overbake — soft centers = creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add ½ cup white chocolate chips for an extra creamsicle pop!
- Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if making in warm weather.
Want a version that’s:
🍪 Soft & pillowy?
🍊 Extra citrus-heavy?
🍃 Sugar-free or keto?
🍦 Stuffed with vanilla cream?
Just tell me and I’ll tailor the recipe!
