The Art of Creamsicle Orange Cookie Perfection

Proper Creaming Technique

Beating butter and sugar together until light and fluffy incorporates air into the dough, creating the foundation for cookies with the ideal tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Citrus Infusion Mastery

Combining both orange zest and juice ensures maximum citrus flavor penetrates every bite, with zest providing aromatic oils and juice adding bright tangy moisture.

Gentle Mixing Method

Adding flour gradually and mixing just until combined prevents gluten overdevelopment, which is the secret to achieving soft, tender cookies rather than tough, dense ones.

Perfect Baking Timing

Removing cookies while centers appear slightly underbaked allows for carryover cooking, resulting in cookies that are crispy on edges but remain wonderfully soft and chewy in the middle.

Glaze Application Art

Drizzling vanilla glaze over completely cooled cookies creates the signature creamsicle appearance and adds a sweet vanilla layer that complements the citrus perfectly without making cookies soggy.

Expert Secrets for Perfect Creamsicle Cookies Every Time

Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature (should leave a slight indent when pressed) for proper creaming, and bring egg to room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.

Fresh Citrus Is Key: Always use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled varieties, as fresh citrus provides significantly brighter, more vibrant flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Don't Overbake: Remove cookies when centers still look slightly underdone and edges are just barely golden - they will continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and firm up as they cool, resulting in perfectly soft chewy cookies.

Storage Success: Store cooled glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months and add glaze after thawing.

Glaze Consistency: If glaze is too thick, add milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until you achieve perfect drizzling consistency.

Uniform Baking: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate, and rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time if your oven has hot spots.

Irresistible Creamsicle Orange Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze - Soft Chewy Citrus Sugar Cookies

Name: Irresistible Creamsicle Orange Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze - Soft Chewy Citrus Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 20 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Dough:; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, from about 2 medium oranges; 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; For the Vanilla Glaze:; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; For Special Equipment:; Electric mixer or stand mixer; Microplane zester or fine grater; Parchment paper lined baking sheets; Wire cooling rack

The ultimate Creamsicle Orange Cookies featuring fresh orange zest, pure vanilla extract, and sweet citrus glaze. These soft chewy cookies combine the bright tangy orange flavor with the smooth creamy vanilla, creating an unforgettable nostalgic dessert that elevates the classic sugar cookie to extraordinary heights perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any time you crave the perfect balance of citrus sunshine and vanilla sweetness.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Cookie Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, from about 2 medium oranges

3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 tablespoons whole milk

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Special Equipment:

Electric mixer or stand mixer

Microplane zester or fine grater

Parchment paper lined baking sheets

Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, setting them aside for later use.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined, then set this dry mixture aside.

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating on medium speed for about 1 minute until everything is well incorporated and the batter appears smooth.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together and no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out rounded balls of dough about 1.5 tablespoons each, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes until the edges are just set and very lightly golden, while centers still appear slightly soft and underbaked.

Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes.

While cookies cool, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.

Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over each cookie using a spoon or fork, allowing the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing.

Irresistible Creamsicle Orange Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze - Soft Chewy Citrus Sugar Cookies

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Creamsicle Orange Cookie Perfection

Irresistible Creamsicle Orange Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze - Soft Chewy Citrus Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Instructions