Name: Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tbsp orange zest; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp orange extract; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp orange extract; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed); Orange food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 30 reviews

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the breezy, citrusy joy of summer and pop it in your bag for a sweet pick-me-up, these Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies are just the ticket. Ultra-soft and chewy with a spark of fresh orange zest and juice, each bite delivers that delightful creamsicle nostalgia in cookie form, finished with a lush, creamy orange frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten any occasion with its vibrant flavor and sunny personality.

Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these cookies lies in their honest, everyday ingredients, each one chosen to create that signature Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies magic. Let’s take a closer look at what makes every component so essential — you’ll be amazed just how much flavor and texture comes from these simple pantry staples!

Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and a soft cookie crumb.
Egg: Brings structure and helps bind everything together.
Orange zest: The true star for an unmistakable citrus aroma and fresh flavor burst.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough — creates structure while staying soft.
Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a pillowy texture.
Baking soda: Partners with the acid from the orange juice for perfect spread and chew.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens every sweet and citrusy note.
Unsalted butter (softened): Richness and flavor, ensuring a tender, moist crumb.
Fresh orange juice: Intensifies the orange profile with real fruit zing.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus with a subtle, creamy warmth.
Orange extract: Deepens the orange taste, making every bite truly creamsicle-like.
Sour cream: Secret weapon for ultra-softness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Guarantees a silky-smooth, dreamy topping.
Heavy cream (for frosting): Lets you adjust the perfect frosting consistency.
Orange food coloring (optional): Adds a playful pop of color to make these cookies as sunny as they taste.

How to Make Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies release effortlessly once baked. Gathering all your ingredients first will make the process seamless — and trust me, the anticipation starts building the moment you zest that first orange!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a quick mix ensures the cookies rise evenly and every bite is as light and tender as the next.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step infuses air into the dough for a soft, melt-on-the-tongue texture — don’t skimp on time here!

Step 4: Add Flavors and Wet Ingredients

Now for the citrusy heart of your Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies! Mix in the egg, fresh orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and that aromatic orange extract. Blend until everything’s sunny and smooth, breathing in deeply for a whiff of that summer-laced aroma.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream

Add the sour cream and blend until combined. This little ingredient makes all the difference, ensuring your cookies bake up with the perfect balance of moisture and tenderness.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Be gentle — overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them soft and dreamy.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to dollop balls of dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are the palest golden brown and the centers look set.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This wait gives the cookies their signature pillowy bite and ensures they’re ready for their frosting crowning moment.

Step 9: Make the Creamy Orange Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add vanilla, orange extract, fresh orange juice, and a splash of heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting. For that iconic color, swirl in a bit of orange food coloring if you like — it’s all about making the cookies as cheerful as their flavor!

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each one, then sprinkle with a bit more fresh orange zest. The final result: Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies that look as stunning as they taste, with a tangy-sweet hint in every single bite.

How to Serve Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Top your cookies with a twinkle of finely grated orange zest, or try a sprinkle of colored sugar for festive flair. If you’re making them for a party, a little edible glitter or a white chocolate drizzle can add a playful, irresistible touch to your Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy vanilla latte, or a fruity iced tea for the ultimate treat. They’re also perfect alongside a summery fruit salad, or as a colorful companion to a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream for full-on dessert bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in clear jars for sweet gifting, or arrange them on a bright platter for your next summer brunch spread. For a kid-friendly gathering, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or orange sorbet between two Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches that are sure to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, these cookies are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, consider storing them in the fridge to keep that dreamy frosting set and fresh.

Freezing

To enjoy Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies anytime the craving strikes, freeze baked and unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost fresh for that bakery-style finish.

Reheating

If you’d like to revive day-old cookies or bring out their softness, microwave individual cookies for just 8–10 seconds before serving. This little warm-up makes the cookies feel just-baked, and the frosting goes deliciously melty!

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice delivers the best, brightest flavor and aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled works. Just make sure it’s 100 percent juice without sweeteners or additives for the closest taste to the real deal.

Can I make Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. The cookies will still be soft and flavorful, though the texture may vary just a touch.

Can I skip the orange extract?

While orange extract gives that classic creamsicle depth, you can omit it for a slightly lighter citrus flavor. If skipping, definitely use plenty of fresh orange zest to boost the natural oils and aroma.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This firms up the butter and helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the bright outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This zest packs all that punchy orange oil — perfect for intensifying the Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies’ signature flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the bold, sunny flavor of Creamsicle Orange Sugar Cookies that’s pure happiness. Their soft, citrusy crumb and silky frosting have a way of turning any day into a celebration. If you’re on the fence, just give them a try — you’ll fall in love with their charm at first bite!