Name: Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 Tablespoon (15mL) fresh orange juice; Zest of one orange; Orange food coloring (optional); ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

Ingredients

1 and ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking powder

⅛ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 large egg, room temperature

1 Tablespoon (15mL) fresh orange juice

Zest of one orange

Orange food coloring (optional)

½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract, egg, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. If desired, add orange food coloring for a more vibrant color. Mix until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 3 days. If chilled longer than an hour, let dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 5: Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Scoop dough with a cookie scoop and roll into balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. Place no more than 8 dough balls on the baking sheet, spaced apart. Keep unused dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until cookies appear mostly matte and not shiny. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. If necessary, reshape warm cookies with the back of a spoon.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense orange flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of orange zest or a few drops of orange extract.

Use high-quality fresh oranges for the best aroma and taste.

If you prefer softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range and allow them to cool thoroughly.

Food coloring is optional but helps achieve the classic creamsicle look.

Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months—roll in powdered sugar and bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use store-bought juice if necessary. Just make sure it’s pure orange juice without added sugars or preservatives.

Why are the cookies spreading too much?

If cookies spread excessively, make sure your butter is not too soft or melted. Also, chilling the dough well before baking helps maintain the shape. If needed, reshape the cookies immediately after baking while still warm.