Description

Soft, citrusy cookies with tangy orange flavor and creamy vanilla frosting that taste just like the classic frozen treat

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
3–4 drops orange food coloring (optional)
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar together for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and food coloring if using.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined.
7. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and just golden.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream until spreadable.
11. Frost cooled cookies and allow frosting to set for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store unfrosted cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Frosted cookies must be refrigerated and keep for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving. Cookie dough can be frozen for 3 months; bake from frozen with 2-3 extra minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g

Keywords: orange cookies, creamsicle cookies, citrus cookies, cream cheese frosting, summer cookies