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Creamsicle Orange Cookies

Creamsicle Orange Cookies
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Creamsicle Orange Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the nostalgic flavors of creamy vanilla and bright orange zest. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy citrus and indulgent creaminess, ideal for any occasion. Their vibrant orange color and melt-in-your-mouth texture bring sunshine and joy to your cookie platter.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil/vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps, resulting in a light, uniform dough.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which is crucial for a soft, tender cookie texture.
  3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then stir in the fresh orange zest and orange juice, infusing the dough with its signature creamsicle flavor.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle when shaping cookies.
  6. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps the cookies soft while they finish setting. Enjoy a warm, zesty treat!

Notes

  • Use fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor—zest just before baking.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; mix until just combined.
  • Chilling the dough firms the butter and improves flavor development.
  • Measure flour properly by spooning and leveling for soft cookies.
  • Watch the baking time closely and remove cookies once edges turn lightly golden to maintain tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamsicle cookies, orange cookies, soft cookies, citrus dessert, vanilla orange cookies, gluten-free cookies, chewy cookies, orange zest cookies

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