Name: Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounce box vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist recommended); 8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg; 1 tsp orange extract; ½ tsp orange gel food coloring; 11 ounce bag white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended); ½ cup powdered sugar

There's something about that bright, citrusy pop that instantly lifts your mood—these Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe capture that feeling perfectly. Soft, tangy with a creamy sweetness, they're like a little sunny day baked into a cookie.

The image shows several round orange cookies with a cracked white powdered sugar layer on top, giving a cracked texture with bright orange peeking through. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, scattered with small white chocolate chips. There are also bright orange slices and wedges placed around the cookies, adding fresh color contrast. The overall scene looks fresh and inviting, with the cookies having a soft, slightly rough texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how these creamsicle cookies balance flavors and textures—soft, tangy cream cheese, a burst of orange, and white chocolate sweetness all in one bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly quick to whip up!

Effortless flavor fusion: The bright orange extract and creamy white chocolate make these cookies unforgettable and refreshingly unique.
Simple ingredients: With a box of cake mix and cream cheese, you can have bakery-quality cookies without the fuss.
Perfect texture: These cookies come out soft and chewy, with a gorgeous crackled powdered sugar top that looks as good as it tastes.
Snack & share friendly: They hold up well and are great for packing in lunchboxes or offering at gatherings.

A cracked cookie sits in the front center of the image on a white marbled surface. The cookie is light orange with white powdered sugar dusted on top, creating a cracked pattern across the surface. Behind the cookie, there is a white bowl filled with small, pale yellow chips that look smooth and rounded. In the blurred background, another similar bowl with chips and an orange sliced in half are partially visible. A few of the pale yellow chips are scattered around the cookie on the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a clever marriage of pantry staples and a few special touches that elevate the flavor. Using vanilla cake mix keeps the cookie base soft and tender, while cream cheese adds a subtle tang that’s so key to recreating that classic creamsicle vibe. The white chocolate chips melt into pockets of creamy sweetness, and the orange extract and gel food coloring provide that unmistakable citrus glow.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine vanilla cake mix powder, a smooth block of cream cheese, a thick slice of unsalted butter, a single large clean brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with bright orange gel food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with clear orange extract liquid, a small pile of glossy white chocolate chips, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla cake mix: Acts as the cookie base; using a high-quality brand gives you a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor.
Cream cheese: Adds moisture, softness, and that signature tanginess; make sure it’s fully softened for smooth mixing.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create a soft texture without overpowering the orange notes.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds a little structure to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Orange extract: The heart of the creamsicle taste — a little goes a long way, so don’t skip it!
Orange gel food coloring: Gives the cookies that sunny hue without watering down the dough like liquid colors can.
White chocolate chips: Melt and mix through for bursts of creamy sweetness that complement the tang perfectly.
Powdered sugar: For coating the dough balls — it creates a beautiful crackle finish and adds a touch of delicate sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about my Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I personally like to amp up the orange zest sometimes for a punchier citrus note or swap the white chocolate chips for dried cranberries in the fall to give it a festive twist.

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of fresh orange zest elevates the aroma and gives a natural zing that I love, especially when guests come over.
Dairy-free option: You can replace the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese; just be sure to use a dairy-free cake mix.
Less sweet: If you prefer, halve the white chocolate chips — the cookies still taste great and you get a milder sweetness.
Mini cookies: Use a smaller scoop and reduce baking time slightly to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese Until Silky Smooth

Start by beating the cream cheese and unsalted butter together at medium-low speed for about a minute. The key is to get it completely lump-free so your cookies come out silky—make sure both are at room temperature. A handheld mixer works perfectly here.

Step 2: Add the Egg, Orange Extract, and Gel Food Coloring

Next, mix in the egg, orange extract, and that beautiful gel food coloring. I love this step because instantly the dough starts to smell like a creamsicle dream. Mix until the color and flavors are fully incorporated—usually 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Gently Blend in the Cake Mix and Then Fold in White Chocolate Chips

Pour the vanilla cake mix in and mix on low until just combined. The batter will be quite thick—that’s perfect! Then fold in the white chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon so they stay chunky and don’t break down too much.

Step 4: Chill, Sugar-Coat, and Bake

Scoop your cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment, then pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chill step prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy. When chilled, roll each ball in powdered sugar for that classic crackled look before baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned that a few small tricks make all the difference when baking these Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe. Trust me, these tips saved me from frustrating batches and will help you nail them on the first try.

Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and a gritty texture in the dough.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Orange gel color packs more pigment without thinning your dough compared to liquid coloring.
Chill Dough Balls: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain shape and enhances flavor melding.
Powdered Sugar Coating: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar adds not only a pretty crackle but also an extra touch of sweetness and moisture retention.

How to Serve Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop, I sometimes sprinkle a little finely grated orange zest or a few white chocolate shavings on top once the cookies have cooled. It makes them look so inviting, especially if you’re serving at a party or tea.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cookies with a cup of chamomile or green tea to balance their sweetness. They're also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or showers, I arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand with small bowls of fresh fruit and whipped cream nearby. I once wrapped a batch individually in clear cellophane tied with orange ribbon to hand out as party favors — such a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store my leftover Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature if I’ll eat them within 3 days. For longer storage, the fridge works great and keeps them fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! I like to freeze the dough balls before baking, so I can bake fresh cookies anytime I want. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well up to three months in an airtight container.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) or a quick flash in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes brings back that soft, melty goodness without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

While vanilla cake mix works best for that classic creamsicle flavor, you could experiment with white cake or even orange-flavored cake mix. Just keep in mind that it will change the cookie’s base flavor.

Why is it important to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough firms up the butter and cream cheese, which helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture. It also allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier cookie.

Can I omit the powdered sugar coating?

Yes, you can skip the powdered sugar if you prefer. However, the coating gives a beautiful crackled look and adds a delicate sweetness that complements the orange flavor.

How should I store Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe for best freshness?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. They also freeze well either as dough or fully baked.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adore sharing this Creamsicle Cookies with White Chocolate Recipe because it’s such a crowd-pleaser, and it brings back nostalgic memories with every sweet, citrusy bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these are the kind of cookies that brighten your day and make the kitchen smell amazing. Go ahead—try them out and see how easy and satisfying homemade happiness can taste!