Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Sometimes you come across a recipe idea that is just so good, you wonder why you haven't heard of it before. I mean really, creamsicle cookies? Brilliant! I think this recipe may just become an instant classic in our house. SO GOOD!

These cookies taste unique and delicious - so flavorful too! If you are currently in a cookie rut, these will snap you out of it quicker than you can say "tropical paradise in my mouth", (though I'm pretty sure no one will be able to understand what you're saying, because your mouth will be full of cookies, haha!). Oh, and here's a fun idea - make yourself an "ice cream sandwich" by filling two creamsicle cookie bookends with orange-sherbet...yum yum yum...


Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Adapted from The Cooking Photographer
Makes 2-3 dozen cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar (or honey sucanat)
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar (or honey sucanat)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (organic) orange extract
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, grated
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 12 oz. Soft White wheat flour)
10-12 oz. bag white chocolate chips (about 2 cups)

Preheat your oven to 375º. Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper (I didn't find it necessary).

Cream butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add egg, salt, vanilla extract, orange extract, and zest. Stir until combined. Stir together baking soda and flour. Add and mix until just incorporated. Stir in white chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheet, or use mini scoop for smaller cookies. Bake until very lightly browned, about 7 minutes for mini's or 8-10 minutes for regular sized cookies. Allow to rest a few minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!