Have you ever tasted something that immediately brought you back to your childhood? That’s exactly what these Creamsicle Orange Cookies do for me. The moment I take a bite, I’m ten years old again, holding a melting orange creamsicle on a summer afternoon, the sun warming my face and my fingers sticky with sweet citrusy ice cream. These cookies are like little drops of sunshine—soft, creamy, and bursting with orange flavor.

I love baking these when I want to bring a bit of brightness into my kitchen, especially on a cloudy day or when I’m craving something cheerful. They’re easy to make, they smell amazing while they bake, and they taste even better the next day (if they last that long). So, if you’re looking for a cookie that’s fun, nostalgic, and just a little different, I think you’ll fall in love with these Creamsicle Orange Cookies too.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little moment of happiness. Here’s why I think you’ll adore them as much as I do:

They’re soft and chewy: Every bite is tender with a gentle chew that feels almost like a cross between a cookie and cake.
Bright orange flavor: Thanks to orange zest and extract, these cookies are full of that classic creamsicle flavor—sweet, citrusy, and creamy.
They smell incredible: When they’re baking, your whole kitchen will fill with the dreamy scent of vanilla and fresh orange.
Perfect for any season: While they’re especially fun in the summer, I bake them year-round just to feel that happy, sunny vibe.
Crowd-pleasers: I’ve made these for potlucks, holidays, and casual get-togethers, and they always disappear quickly.

What You’ll Need to Make Them

The ingredients are simple and easy to find, but together they create something truly magical. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
½ teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons of orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
1 teaspoon of orange extract (or vanilla if you want it subtle)
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
1 cup of white chocolate chips (they melt into a creamy “cream” flavor)

Optional: A few drops of orange food coloring if you want to make them pop visually, but I usually leave them natural.

How to Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies

These cookies come together in no time, and you don’t need any special equipment. Just a bowl, a spoon, and your hands—and maybe a cookie scoop if you want them all the same size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand with a little extra love.
Add the egg and mix until combined. Then stir in the orange zest, orange extract, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix.
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
If the dough feels a bit soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. It makes scooping easier and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers might still look a bit soft—that’s perfect!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How I Like to Serve Them

These cookies are wonderful all on their own, but here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

With a glass of milk: Cold milk and warm cookies—it never gets old.
As an ice cream sandwich: Put a scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet between two cookies and freeze for the ultimate summer treat.
With tea or coffee: These cookies pair surprisingly well with a cozy mug of chamomile or a vanilla latte.
Wrapped in a gift box: They make such a thoughtful gift. Just wrap a few in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon.

Tips to Make Them Even Better

These little things can make a big difference:

Use fresh orange zest: It brings out the best flavor and gives your cookies that extra zing.
Don’t overbake: You want the cookies to be soft and a little chewy. They’ll keep cooking a bit after you take them out of the oven.
Chill the dough: Even just 15–20 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape and bake up thicker.
Try adding nuts: A handful of chopped macadamia nuts or pecans can add a bit of crunch if you like that kind of texture.

Storing and Saving for Later

If you somehow don’t eat them all on the first day (happens rarely in my house), here’s how you can store them:

Room temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just pop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from the freezer with a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

You can also freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and enjoy!

Why These Cookies Are So Special to Me

There’s just something so cheerful about these cookies. They’re sweet, citrusy, and comforting in the way that only something homemade can be. Every time I bake them, I feel like I’m creating a little pocket of sunshine in my kitchen. I’ve shared them at parties, given them to friends as gifts, and kept a stash for myself on rainy days.

They remind me that simple things—like a good cookie—can bring joy. Whether you’re baking for someone you love or just treating yourself to something special, these Creamsicle Orange Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Go ahead and try them out—I promise you won’t stop at just one.