Soft Creamsicle Orange Cookies

This creamsicle orange cookie recipe transforms the nostalgic orange-vanilla popsicle flavor into soft, chewy cookies that practically melt in your mouth. The bright citrus aroma fills your kitchen while baking, making these treats irresistible for anyone who loves that classic summer flavor combination year-round.

I first created these cookies for my daughter's end-of-school party, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert. The parents were sneaking them before the kids even had a chance, and now I get requests to bring them to every gathering.

Ingredients

• White cake mix: Provides the perfect vanilla base and ensures consistent results every time
• Orange jello powder: Adds that vibrant citrus flavor and beautiful color that makes these cookies special
• Orange zest: Brings fresh authentic orange flavor that complements the jello perfectly
• Butter: Creates that rich tender texture and buttery flavor that makes cookies irresistible
• Eggs: Bind everything together while keeping the cookies soft and chewy
• White chocolate chips: Mirror the creamy vanilla part of a creamsicle and balance the citrus beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with golden bottoms.

Mix The Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together cake mix, orange jello powder, and orange zest until completely combined. This distributes the orange flavor evenly throughout the dough and prevents any pockets of gelatin.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in softened butter and room temperature eggs until just combined, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overmix as this can make your cookies tough. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Incorporate White Chocolate:

Gently fold in white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. The folding motion preserves air in the dough for tender cookies, and ensures chips are in every bite.

Form Cookie Dough Balls:

Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets with 2 inches between each. This specific size creates the perfect cookie thickness and ensures even baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Cool Properly:

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This cooling period allows them to set up properly without breaking.

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My favorite part of this recipe is zesting fresh oranges. The burst of citrus oil that fills the kitchen instantly transports me back to childhood summers. My grandmother always kept creamsicles in her freezer, and these cookies capture that exact nostalgic flavor that brings my whole family together around the kitchen island.

Making Ahead and Storage

These creamsicle cookies actually develop more flavor after sitting overnight. The orange becomes more pronounced and the texture gets even more tender. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread in the container to keep them soft. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Easy Variations

While these cookies are perfect as written, you can easily customize them to your taste. Try using lemon or lime jello instead of orange for a different citrus flavor profile. For chocolate orange fans, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for the white chocolate. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries for a festive holiday version. For a more intense orange flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.

Serving Suggestions

These bright cookies make a stunning addition to any dessert table, especially when paired with other citrus treats. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. They also complement afternoon tea perfectly, especially with Earl Grey which has complementary bergamot notes. For special occasions, sandwich two cookies with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an exceptional treat that mimics the creamsicle experience even more closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives these cookies their orange flavor?

The orange flavor comes from a combination of orange gelatin powder and fresh orange zest, giving the cookies a vibrant citrus taste.

→ Can I substitute the white cake mix?

Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors, but white cake mix enhances the orange and vanilla combination best.

→ What type of chocolate pairs best with these cookies?

White chocolate chips are ideal as they complement the citrus and vanilla flavors beautifully.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Can I omit the orange gelatin powder?

While the orange gelatin adds bold citrus flavor, you can omit it and rely solely on the orange zest for a milder flavor.