Description
Delight in the bright, citrusy flavor of these Creamsicle Orange Cookies, made with fresh orange zest and juice, white chocolate chips, and a soft, buttery dough. Perfectly balanced sweetness and a hint of vanilla make them a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, ideal for any occasion or a sunny day treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, contributing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Add Orange Flavor: Mix in the orange zest and fresh orange juice thoroughly to infuse the dough with a bright, citrusy creamsicle flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips to evenly distribute the creamy sweet bites throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft, which will yield chewy cookies with a slight crisp on the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- For extra orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest and juice.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake for the minimum time and remove them when centers look just set.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture in the cookies.
