Chewy and citrusy Creamsicle Orange Cookies made with orange cake mix, cream cheese, and white chocolate chips. Sweet, nostalgic, and irresistible!
You know that moment when a smell or taste instantly transports you to another time? That’s what happened to me the first time I baked these Creamsicle Orange Cookies. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something sweet but light—you know, the kind of treat that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve overdone it. I remembered those Creamsicle ice creams from summers long past. Sticky fingers, dripping orange goodness, and that perfect creamy center. Could I capture that magic in a cookie?
Turns out, yes. These cookies nailed it. The bright citrusy orange flavor hits first, followed by that smooth vanilla-like sweetness from the white chocolate chips. Every bite felt like a mini summer vacation. My husband and kids couldn’t stop sneaking “just one more,” and honestly, neither could I.
Now they’re my go-to for when I need a little sunshine on a cloudy day—or when I just want to relive those carefree summer moments. These cookies are simple to make, ridiculously delicious, and they just feel like happiness in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love This Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe?
- Pure Nostalgia: These cookies capture all the joy of a classic Creamsicle ice cream, no melting involved.
- Ridiculously Easy: Thanks to the cake mix, you can whip these up in no time—even on a busy day.
- Soft and Chewy Perfection: The cream cheese and butter keep them tender and delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies disappear faster than you can say “Creamsicle.”
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why these ingredients work so well together:
- Orange Cake Mix: The foundation of the recipe and the star of the show. It’s citrusy, vibrant, and makes the process so easy.
- Cream Cheese: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Orange Extract: This is where the zing comes from. Don’t skip it—it’s what makes the flavor pop.
- White Chocolate Chips: These mimic the creamy vanilla center of a Creamsicle and add a little texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking gives them a crinkled, slightly crisp exterior.
- Food Coloring (Optional): Want that extra pop of orange? A drop or two of food coloring does the trick.
How To Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies?
Step 1. Preheat and Prep
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheets with
Step 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and orange extract until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed—this is where the magic starts.
Step 3. Add the Cake Mix
Dump in the orange cake mix and stir until everything’s well combined. If you want to lean into the whole “Creamsicle vibe,” add a little orange food coloring here. Totally optional but very fun.
Step 4. Stir in the White Chocolate Chips
Now for the good stuff. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. It’s okay if you snack on a few—it’s practically tradition.
Step 5. Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up so the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven. Plus, chilled dough is just easier to handle.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 6. Roll and Coat
Scoop the dough into 24 balls (or more if you want smaller cookies) and roll each one in powdered sugar. This is where they get that classic crinkly look.
Step 7. Bake
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12–13 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, if you’re impatient like me, sneak one while it’s still warm. No regrets.
Storage Options:
Here’s how to keep your Creamsicle Orange Cookies fresh (if they last long enough to need storing):
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re surprisingly good chilled.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake as needed.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here’s how to switch things up:
- Lemon Twist: Swap the orange extract for lemon extract for a bright, tangy variation.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Extra Zest: Add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for even more citrus flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
What to Serve with Creamsicle Orange Cookies?
Want to make these cookies even more fun? Try pairing them with:
- Milk: Because cookies and milk are always a good idea.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches for the ultimate summer treat.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the citrusy sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them that perfect chewy texture.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Lemon, vanilla, or even strawberry cake mix would be fun to try.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is your best friend here. No sticking, no stress.
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a little bite of sunshine. They’re sweet, chewy, and packed with that nostalgic Creamsicle flavor we all love. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself (always a good reason), these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day. What do you think? Ready to bake a batch? Let me know how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear all about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter softened
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. orange extract
- 1 box orange cake mix
- Orange food coloring or 1 part red to 2 parts yellow, optional
- 1 c. white chocolate chips
- 1 c. powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl combine softened butter, cream cheese, egg and orange extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well-blended.
- Add the orange cake mix to the mixture. Thoroughly incorporate it. If desired you can add a drop of food coloring to achieve the desired shade of orange.
- Include the chocolate chips into the dough. Place it in the refrigerator, for about 30 minutes to allow it to chill.
- Shape the dough into 24 balls coating them with sugar before placing them onto the prepared cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 12 to 13 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Out of the oven let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack, for cooling.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
