Creamsicle Orange Cookies – Bright, Chewy, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor

These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a sunny, nostalgic treat inspired by the classic orange-and-vanilla ice cream bars you loved as a kid. Soft and chewy with just the right balance of citrus and sweetness, they’re made with lightened-up ingredients that deliver flavor without weighing you down. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or treating yourself to a midweek pick-me-up, these cookies bring joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Citrus Flavor – Fresh orange zest and juice add zingy, refreshing notes.
Creamy Vanilla Finish – A subtle vanilla twist makes every bite taste like a creamsicle.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Just the right amount of tenderness without heaviness.
Guilt-Free Indulgence – Lower in fat and sugar but still totally satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup light butter or margarine, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sweetener (or sugar substitute of choice)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ⅓ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for that creamsicle creaminess)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sweetener
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetener until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.

4. Combine and Fold
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. If using, fold in the white chocolate chips.

5. Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

6. Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 90
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 0.5g

Tips for Success

• Zest First – Always zest your orange before juicing it for max flavor.
• White Chocolate = Optional but Delicious – Adds a creamy layer of sweetness.
• Chill the Dough – For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overbake – They’ll continue to set as they cool, so remove while still soft.

Why This Recipe Works

By combining the tangy brightness of orange with smooth vanilla and using lightened ingredients, these cookies offer the full creamsicle experience in a soft, chewy cookie form. They feel indulgent, but they’re made to fit into a balanced lifestyle—no compromises on flavor or fun.

Creamsicle Orange Cookies are everything you love about the classic frozen treat—sweet, citrusy, and creamy—all wrapped up in a soft, satisfying cookie. They’re simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for any time you need a little burst of sunshine on your plate.