These soft and chewy Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful blend of tangy orange and sweet vanilla flavors, reminiscent of the classic creamsicle popsicle. Utilizing a cake mix base, these cookies are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore how these cookies combine the bright zestiness of orange with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. The use of orange gelatin and fresh orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor, while the cake mix simplifies the preparation process. They're ideal for parties, holidays, or just a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box orange gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, orange gelatin powder, and orange zest until well combined.
- Add the softened butter and eggs to the bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together just until combined, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–13 minutes
- Total Time: 20–23 minutes
Variations
- Orange Cake Mix: For an even more intense orange flavor, I sometimes use an orange-flavored cake mix instead of white.
- Add Nuts: Chopped macadamia nuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. I ensure they're completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, I microwave them for about 10 seconds.
FAQs
What gives these cookies their creamsicle flavor?
The combination of orange gelatin powder, fresh orange zest, and white chocolate chips creates the signature orange-vanilla creamsicle taste.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, I can use unsalted butter. If I do, I might want to add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the flavors.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, there's no need to chill the dough. I can bake the cookies immediately after preparing the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free white cake mix, I can adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
How do I zest an orange?
I use a microplane or fine grater to remove the outer orange layer of the peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter.
Conclusion
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the refreshing flavors of orange and vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie. They're quick to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends. I hope you enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet treats as much as I do!
Creamsicle Orange Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–13 minutes
- Total Time: 20–23 minutes
- Yield: ~24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor from orange zest and gelatin, balanced with creamy white chocolate chips. Made with a convenient cake mix base, they deliver the nostalgic taste of a classic creamsicle popsicle in cookie form. Perfect for summer parties, holidays, or a zesty afternoon treat!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box orange gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, orange gelatin, and orange zest.
- Add softened butter and eggs; beat until just combined (about 2 minutes).
- Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough (1½ tablespoon size), roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake 10–13 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Swap white cake mix with orange cake mix for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Add chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for crunch.
- Drizzle with orange glaze for extra sweetness.
- No dough chilling required.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in microwave for 10 seconds for warm cookies.
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