Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies

These Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies are a dreamy mix of citrusy freshness and buttery sweetness — the kind of cookie that instantly lifts your mood with just one bite. Soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and topped with a zesty orange cream frosting, they’re a nostalgic nod to the classic orange creamsicle popsicle we all loved as kids.

Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies are a bright and chewy treat that’s perfect for summer get-togethers, casual weekend baking, or whenever you need a burst of sunshine in dessert form. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the payoff? Pure cookie joy.

I first made this recipe on a warm July afternoon when I had a few extra oranges on hand and a craving for something citrusy and sweet. One batch later, I was completely hooked — and so was everyone else who tried them. Since then, they’ve become my go-to for potlucks, birthdays, and quiet Sunday baking sessions with a glass of iced tea nearby.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are an absolute delight to make — and even more delightful to eat.

Ready to bake something a little sweet, a little tangy, and totally irresistible? Let’s get started. 🍊✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Because it’s sunshine in cookie form — simple to make, hard to resist, and guaranteed to brighten your day.

Fresh, Citrus Flavor That Pops

What sets these cookies apart is their vibrant, fresh orange flavor. Thanks to real orange zest and fresh-squeezed juice, every bite delivers a natural citrus zing that’s both bright and refreshing. That alone would be dreamy — but when you blend it with a touch of vanilla and orange extract? Magic. It’s that nostalgic creamsicle twist you remember from childhood summers — now in cookie form.

Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

You don’t need a special trip to the store to whip up these cookies. In fact, you likely already have most of what you need sitting in your kitchen right now. No stand mixer? No problem — a simple hand mixer or even a sturdy wooden spoon will get the job done. It’s baking made easy, and even better, baking made accessible.

Perfect for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re a first-time baker or you’ve been making cookies since your grandma taught you how, this recipe is stress-free and forgiving. The instructions are clear, the steps are simple, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create with just a few ingredients and a little bit of time. This is a fantastic recipe to try with kids, too — they’ll love rolling the dough and adding that final frosted flourish.

Easily Customizable

Want to dress them up a little? Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough. Drizzle the tops with melted white or dark chocolate. Turn them into adorable mini cookie sandwiches with extra frosting in the middle. These cookies are flexible and fun, so feel free to make them your own.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cookies and their dreamy orange cream frosting. Most items are pantry staples — with a little citrus flair thrown in.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and that soft, chewy bite.

• 1 egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.

• 1 tablespoon orange zest – Packs in natural orange oils for fresh flavor.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The sturdy base of the cookie.

• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances the acidity and adds softness.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and tender texture.

• 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice – Boosts the citrus brightness.

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings warmth and balance.

• ½ teaspoon orange extract – Intensifies the orange flavor (optional but amazing).

• ½ cup sour cream – Keeps the cookies soft, moist, and tender.

For the Orange Cream Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates a creamy, luxurious base.

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle smoothness.

• ½ teaspoon orange extract – Brings out that creamsicle flavor.

• 2 tablespoon orange juice – Thins and flavors the frosting naturally.

• 1–2 tablespoon heavy cream (as needed) – Adjusts consistency for spreading or piping.

• Orange food coloring (optional) – For that bright, sunny pop of color.

Each ingredient has its role — from structure and softness to flavor and flair. And when they all come together? You're just a few steps away from the most irresistible orange sugar cookies you've ever made.

How to Make Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies

This recipe is one of those wonderful baking projects where the process is just as enjoyable as the result. The dough comes together quickly, the aroma is absolutely heavenly, and the final touch — that creamy orange frosting — is the cherry on top (or in this case, the zest on top 😉).

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can bake with confidence, whether it’s your first batch or your fiftieth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix your dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

   • 1 teaspoon baking powder

   • ½ teaspoon baking soda

   • ½ teaspoon salt
     Set it aside for now — we’ll come back to it.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies.

4. Add the flavor: Mix in:

   • 1 egg

   • 1 tablespoon orange zest

   • 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice

   • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

   • ½ teaspoon orange extract
     Beat until well combined and smooth.

5. Add sour cream: Stir in ½ cup sour cream — this helps keep the cookies moist and slightly tangy, enhancing that creamsicle vibe.

6. Combine the wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough will be a little sticky — that’s exactly what we want.

7. Scoop and bake: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion dough balls. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked — they’ll finish cooking on the pan.

9. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Orange Cream Frosting

Once your cookies are cool, it’s time to frost!

1. Cream the butter: Beat ½ cup unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar until fluffy.

3. Flavor it up: Add:

   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

   • ½ teaspoon orange extract

   • 2 tablespoon orange juice

4. Adjust the consistency: Add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream as needed for spreading or piping.

5. Color (optional): Add a drop or two of orange food coloring for a fun, vibrant hue.

6. Frost the cookies once completely cool, and if you'd like, sprinkle a little extra orange zest on top for a fresh, decorative finish.

What to Serve with These Cookies

These cookies are a treat all on their own, but if you’re serving them for a gathering or special occasion, here are some delicious pairings to elevate your cookie moment:

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

• Iced hibiscus or citrus tea

• Freshly squeezed orange juice

• Cold brew coffee or a creamy latte

Desserts:

• A scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet

• Lemon bars for a bright citrus dessert spread

• Fresh fruit salad with mint

Perfect Occasions:

• Summer BBQs

• Baby or bridal showers

• Sunday brunches with friends

• Afternoon tea on the patio

Variations and Substitutions

Want to make them your own? Here’s how.

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you're accommodating allergies or just feeling creative, these swaps and twists will help you make a cookie that fits your taste and lifestyle.

Nut-Free Version

Good news — this recipe is already naturally nut-free! No adjustments needed if you’re avoiding nuts.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Want to take the flavor up a notch? Melt a little white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the frosted cookies for a rich and elegant finish. It’s especially lovely for special occasions (or when you’re just feeling fancy).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Vegan Option

Yes, you can make these cookies vegan-friendly:

• Replace butter with vegan butter

• Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water, let sit 5 minutes)

• Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream

• Use plant-based milk instead of heavy cream in the frosting

Storage Instructions

These cookies are so good, it’s hard to imagine having leftovers — but if you do, here’s how to keep them fresh and just as delightful as day one:

Room Temperature

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

Refrigeration

Want them to last a bit longer? Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let them come back to room temperature before serving — the frosting softens up beautifully.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze unfrosted cookies or raw dough balls for up to 2 months.

• To bake from frozen dough: Add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

• To thaw baked cookies: Let them sit overnight in the fridge or a few hours on the counter before frosting.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

This recipe is simple — but a few pro tips will help you bake like a seasoned cookie champ:

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. It helps control spread and gives you thicker, chewier cookies.

• Use a cookie scoop to portion dough evenly, so all your cookies bake the same.

• Don’t overbake. The edges should just barely be golden — the centers will finish setting as they cool.

• Zest first, juice second! You’ll get more zest off the orange before it’s been squeezed.

• Wait to frost. Make sure cookies are fully cooled before adding the frosting to avoid melting and sliding.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies, try these next:

• Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies: Soft, tangy, and filled with fruity flavor.

• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: Perfectly spiced and topped with rich frosting.

• White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls: Creamy, dreamy, and bite-sized.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

Do I have to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but highly recommended for the best texture and shape.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

You can, but fresh juice really enhances the flavor. Plus, you’ll need that zest anyway!

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours or frozen for future baking.

Is orange extract necessary?

It’s optional, but it gives the cookies that classic creamsicle flavor. If you love orange, it’s worth including!

Conclusion

These Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you smile before you’ve even taken the first bite. They’re soft, flavorful, and just the right mix of sweet and zesty — like sunshine baked into a cookie.

Whether you're baking for a party, a picnic, or a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are fun, fruity, and absolutely foolproof.

Tried these? Leave a comment and rating below — I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Save this recipe on Pinterest so you don’t lose it! 🍊💛🍪

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