Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Nostalgia meets sweet delight in these creamsicle orange cookies that transport you back to childhood summers.

Orange zest dances through soft, buttery dough with vibrant citrus notes.

Memories of frosty treats melt into every tender bite.

Sunshine bursts from each cookie, promising a refreshing twist on classic desserts.

Baking becomes an adventure when unexpected flavors combine perfectly.

Creamy undertones complement bright citrus for an irresistible treat.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these delectable morsels.

Dry Ingredients:
  • White Cake Mix: Easy base for soft, tender cookies.
  • Orange Jello: Adds bright orange flavor and color.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Sweet and creamy addition to the cookie.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened for smooth mixing and rich taste.
  • Eggs: Helps bind the cookie dough together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Orange Zest: Fresh, bright citrus notes for extra zing.

How To Make Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or a silicone mat for perfect cookie magic.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in:
  • White cake mix
  • Orange jello powder
  • Fresh orange zest

Mix these ingredients until they’re buddy-buddy and well combined.

Step 3: Blend in the Creamy Goodness

Drop in:
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs

Grab your electric mixer and whip everything together for about 2 minutes.

Keep it smooth but don’t go crazy – overmixing is a cookie crime!

Step 4: Add the White Chocolate Twist

Gently fold white chocolate chips into the batter.

Make sure they’re evenly scattered like delightful little flavor bombs.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dreamers

Use a cookie scoop to create perfect dough balls.

Place them on your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie some breathing room – about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-13 minutes.

You’re looking for set edges but centers that still have a soft, tender heart.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies chill on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These creamsicle beauties are ready to make your taste buds dance!

  • Use fresh orange zest for a more intense, bright citrus taste that elevates the entire cookie experience.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender, avoiding a tough, dense texture that can happen with excessive beating.
  • Gently fold white chocolate chips to ensure even spread, giving each bite a delightful white chocolate surprise.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them moist and preserving their delicate orange essence.
  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to help them set properly before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential crumbling.

Saving And Reheating Creamsicle Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, layered with parchment, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and restore fresh-baked texture.
  • Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help maintain cookie freshness and prevent them from becoming dry.

What Pairs Well With Creamsicle Cookies

Pair Sweet Citrus Delight with Creamy Companions:
  • Vanilla Bean Bliss: Scoop rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside these vibrant orange cookies for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
  • Chilled Citrus Splash: Serve a cold glass of orange-infused sparkling water or a light mimosa to complement the cookie's bright, zesty flavor profile.
  • Smooth Cream Harmony: Enjoy a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla custard to balance the cookie's sweet and tangy orange notes.
  • Elegant Tea Pairing: Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea or a smooth white tea to enhance the cookie's subtle citrus undertones and provide a sophisticated sipping companion.
  • Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace white cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Orange Zest Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use egg replacer or flax eggs to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Orange Treats: Swap white cake mix with a sugar-free cake mix alternative. Reduce white chocolate chips or use sugar-free white chocolate chips for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Dairy-Free Citrus Cookies: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a lactose-free version of the original recipe.

FAQs

  • Why use white cake mix instead of flour?

White cake mix provides a consistent, soft texture and helps simplify the cookie-making process by including pre-measured ingredients like sugar and leavening agents.

  • Can I substitute orange jello if I don't have it?

While orange jello is key for the creamsicle flavor, you could use another citrus flavor like lemon or use orange extract, though the taste will slightly differ.

  • What type of white chocolate chips work best?

Standard baking white chocolate chips are perfect. Higher quality chips with a higher cocoa butter content will provide a smoother, richer flavor in the cookies.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges that are lightly golden and centers that still appear soft. The cookies will continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven, so avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.

Why Creamsicle Orange Cookies Are A Treat

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Using a cake mix as a base, these cookies come together in minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Burst: The combination of orange jello and zest creates a vibrant, refreshing twist that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary cookie into a tantalizing treat.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies bring a burst of citrusy sunshine to any occasion.
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Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe

Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Nostalgic summer memories dance through these creamsicle orange cookies, blending zesty citrus and sweet vanilla in a delightful bite. Perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with friends, these cookies deliver a refreshing twist that will transport taste buds to sunny afternoons.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 15.25 ounces (432 grams) white cake mix
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) orange jello
  • 2 large eggs
  • 11 ounces (312 grams) white chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons orange zest

Dairy and Fat Components:

  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) salted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a flavor-packed base by blending white cake mix, vibrant orange jello, and fragrant orange zest in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Introduce softened butter and eggs to the dry ingredients, then utilize an electric mixer to merge components until smoothly integrated, maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve texture.
  4. Gently incorporate white chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in each bite.
  5. Craft uniform cookie portions using a precise cookie scoop, carefully positioning dough balls with adequate spacing to allow for natural spreading during baking.
  6. Slide the prepared baking sheets into the preheated oven, monitoring cookies for approximately 10-13 minutes until edges transform to a set golden appearance while centers retain a soft, tender consistency.
  7. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet, providing a brief cooling period that helps them stabilize and prevents immediate crumbling.
  8. Complete the cooling process by transferring cookies to a wire rack, enabling full temperature reduction and optimal texture development before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Orange zest selection matters: Choose bright, fresh oranges with vibrant skin for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic punch.
  • Softening butter technique: Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve perfect creamy consistency without melting completely.
  • Gluten-free adaptation: Swap cake mix with gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
  • Texture control tip: Remove cookies from oven when edges are slightly golden but centers look slightly underbaked to maintain soft, chewy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 152
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 178 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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