White Chocolate Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy, these White Chocolate Creamsicle Orange Cookies combine the tangy brightness of orange with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or whenever you crave a unique and indulgent treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of zesty orange and rich white chocolate.
• Soft and Chewy: The perfect cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all bakers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit at parties and gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite add-ins or tweaks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup orange preserves or jam

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Form and Fill Cookies

Drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or spoon, leaving space between each.
Use the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill with a small amount of orange preserves.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Substitute orange extract with lemon or lime extract for a different flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Option: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a deeper contrast.
• Nutty Addition: Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds or pecans for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Zest: Sprinkle additional orange zest over the cookies before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

1. Can I use orange juice instead of orange extract?

Yes, but the flavor will be subtler. You may need to increase the amount slightly.

2. What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane grater and avoid the white pith, which is bitter.

3. Can I skip the orange preserves?

Yes, the preserves are optional but add a delicious burst of orange flavor.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

5. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well.

6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavor.

7. What other toppings work well with these cookies?

Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

8. How do I ensure the cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

9. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter, egg with a flax egg, and use vegan white chocolate chips.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make more cookies.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture and vibrant citrus flavor make them a standout addition to any dessert spread. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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