Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these Creamsicle Orange Cookies are everything you love about the classic orange creamsicle—wrapped into an easy, delicious cookie! Made with cake mix, orange gelatin, and white chocolate chips, these cookies are a breeze to make and an instant hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday party, or simply to brighten someone’s day, this sweet orange treat is always a crowd favorite.
🍊 Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Easy to Make: Just six simple ingredients and one bowl!
- Fun and Festive: Their cheerful color and creamy flavor make them perfect for parties, potlucks, and spring or summer baking.
- Customizable: Switch up the flavor with different jello varieties or chocolate chips!
✨ What Makes Them “Creamsicle”?
The combination of zesty orange flavor and sweet white chocolate chips gives these cookies that nostalgic creamsicle vibe—like your favorite frozen treat, in cookie form.
The orange zest brightens up the flavor naturally, while the orange jello infuses every bite with bold citrus sweetness. The white chocolate adds just the right touch of vanilla creaminess.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box orange jello
- 2 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 8 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 11 oz white chocolate chips
Tip: You can use orange cake mix for even more orange flavor, if available!
🍪 How to Make Creamsicle Orange Cookies
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, orange gelatin powder, and orange zest.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter and eggs. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until the dough is fully combined and smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Fold in the Chips
Gently stir in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll into smooth balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
💡 Trish’s Tips & Tricks
- Use a microplane to zest your orange for the best flavor.
- Room temperature eggs and butter make for smoother dough.
- Don’t overbake! Cookies will continue to set after being removed from the oven.
- Customize it! Try semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of white, or swap in other jello flavors like lemon or cherry for a new twist.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes! Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the flavors.
Can I swap the jello flavor?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with lemon, cherry, or even strawberry jello—just pair with the appropriate zest or extract for flavor harmony.
Do I have to use white chocolate chips?
Not at all. While they give that creamsicle flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite chip variety.
📋 Creamsicle Orange Cookies Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–13 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 190 kcal (per cookie)
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box orange jello
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 8 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 11 oz white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Whisk together cake mix, orange gelatin, and zest.
- Add butter and eggs. Beat until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Scoop and shape dough into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 10–13 minutes, until edges are set. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
🍊 Final Thoughts
These Creamsicle Orange Cookies are a bright, citrusy treat that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring a pop of sunshine to your dessert table.