Description
These delightful Creamsicle Cookies capture the bright, citrusy flavors of a classic creamsicle. Soft, sweet cookies with a creamy, tangy orange filling offer a perfect blend of buttery dough and zesty orange richness, making them ideal for a refreshing treat or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 drops red food coloring (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 10 drops yellow food coloring (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Beat on low speed with a hand mixer until powdered sugar is almost incorporated; then increase to medium speed and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the filling for at least 45 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup room temperature butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed with a hand mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Beat until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until the flour is nearly combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until well mixed. Add 10 drops red and 10 drops yellow food coloring and beat until the dough is evenly colored.
- Chill Cookie Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out two dough balls per cookie. Flatten one dough ball and place 1/2 teaspoon of chilled filling in the center. Flatten the second dough ball and place it atop the filling, sealing the edges carefully to enclose the filling completely. Roll the filled cookie ball in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat the exterior.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the assembled cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops lose their shine.
- Cool and Store: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and filling consistency.
Notes
- The orange zest and extract provide the signature creamsicle flavor — use fresh zest for best taste.
- Food coloring is optional; they are used to give the dough a citrusy orange hue but can be omitted.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Refrigeration steps are important for workable dough and stable filling to prevent leakage during baking.
- If you don’t have orange extract, substitute with vanilla extract and additional orange zest for flavor.
- For easier sealing, moisten the edges of the dough slightly with water before pinching them together.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
