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Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Creamsicle Orange Cookies
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Creamsicle Orange Cookies capture the nostalgic joy of a creamy orange popsicle by combining bright, zesty fresh orange flavors with rich, creamy sweetness in irresistibly soft and chewy cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a balance of citrus aroma and tender texture that melt in your mouth, delivering a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for dairy-free)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • Zest of 2 fresh oranges
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)

Optional Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice or milk

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Carefully zest the oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith, then juice them fresh for maximum brightness. Measure out your dry and wet ingredients separately to ensure smooth and efficient mixing.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is key to the cookies’ softness and tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs, Orange, and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. These ingredients infuse the dough with the signature creamsicle flavor and aroma.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to create a smooth dough without over-mixing.
  5. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring perfect cookie shape.
  6. Bake Until Lightly Golden: Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, tender cookies.
  7. Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little fresh orange juice or milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh oranges for the brightest, most natural flavor and aroma.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent gluten development.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for controlled spreading and a thicker, chewier texture.
  • Bake cookies in batches and watch your oven temperature for even baking.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamsicle Orange Cookies, orange cookies, citrus cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, gluten-free cookies, dairy-free cookies option, orange zest cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamsicle-orange-cookies/