Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty – Fresh orange zest and juice infuse these cookies with vibrant citrus flavor.
- Soft and Chewy Texture – Slightly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe great for any baker.
- Customizable – Add sprinkles, nuts, or white chocolate chips for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A unique and refreshing cookie that everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Optional:
- Sprinkles or shredded coconut for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles or shredded coconut if desired.
- Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Twist: Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
- Coconut Infusion: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Extra Citrus Flavor: Swap half the vanilla extract for orange extract.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
How do I keep these cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze enhances the citrus flavor.
What type of oranges work best?
Navel oranges or Valencia oranges provide the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should remain soft.
Can I add food coloring for a more vibrant orange color?
Yes, a drop of orange food coloring can enhance the look of the cookies.
What pairs well with these cookies?
A cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great pairing.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor, but margarine can be used if necessary.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more orange juice for a thinner consistency.
Conclusion
Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or drizzled with a tangy glaze, they’re a must-try for orange lovers. Bake a batch today and experience their irresistible charm!
Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are packed with bright citrus flavor, combining fresh orange zest and juice for a tangy, refreshing bite. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet orange glaze, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Creamsicle. Perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or a fun baking project, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles or shredded coconut if desired.
- Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies with a slice of bread in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more orange juice.
- For a more intense orange flavor, substitute half of the vanilla extract with orange extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
