Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Beat softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, orange zest, and your creamy ingredient (heavy cream or cream cheese), blending until smooth and well combined. This base creates the cookie’s signature creamy texture and bright citrus flavor.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring the cookies rise beautifully and remain soft.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender rather than dense. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.
- Form and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them firm up slightly while maintaining their moist, tender core.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest for the best vibrant citrus flavor; dried or bottled zest won’t provide the same brightness.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough, dry cookies; mix until just combined.
- Make sure butter and cream or cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and reduce spreading.
- Watch baking time closely and remove cookies when edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains dairy; can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Creamsicle orange cookies, orange zest cookies, creamy citrus cookies, soft orange cookies, nostalgic cookies