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Creamsicle Cookies Recipe

CREAMSICLE ORANGE COOKIES

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Orange Creamsicle Cookies: Citrus-infused, dreamy, delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1-2 drops orange food coloring (optional)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze, optional)
  • 1 very tiny drop orange food coloring (for glaze, optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they’re thoroughly combined.
  • In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that tender cookie texture.
  • Beat in the large eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice. At this point, the mixture will be wonderfully fragrant and light yellow.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined – overmixing can lead to tough cookies! The dough should be soft, slightly thick, and wonderfully aromatic. If you desire a more vibrant orange hue, add a drop or two of orange food coloring at this stage, mixing until evenly distributed.
  • Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will look slightly underbaked when you pull them out, but they will continue to set as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is key before glazing, otherwise, your glaze will simply melt right off!
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream. Start with less liquid and gradually add more until you achieve a smooth, pourable, yet thick consistency; think of it like runny honey. Whisk until there are no lumps and the glaze is perfectly smooth. For an extra punch of citrus and visual appeal, stir in 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest. If you want a truly creamsicle orange color, add a very tiny drop of orange food coloring and mix well.
  • Once your Creamsicle Orange Cookies are completely cooled, gently dip the top of each cooled cookie into the bowl of glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle and spread the glaze evenly over the top. You want a generous coating that beautifully enhances the cookie. Allow any excess glaze to drip off, then carefully place the glazed cookies back onto the wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper or foil to catch any drips. Let the glaze set for at least 30-60 minutes, or until it’s firm to the touch.

Notes

Prepare to have your taste buds transported to a sunny, nostalgic dream with these incredible Creamsicle Orange Cookies! Imagine a tender, chewy cookie bursting with bright, zesty orange flavor, perfectly balanced by a sweet, creamy glaze that melts in your mouth. They’re a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a vibrant citrus punch combined with the comforting, familiar sweetness of a creamsicle. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of refreshing zest and velvety smoothness, making them utterly irresistible and truly unforgettable.