Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Cookie Recipe
Introduction to Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
Welcome to the delightful world of cookies! Today, we’re going to explore the irresistible Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also bring a burst of citrus flavor that brightens up any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
A Personal Story Behind My Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Journey
My love for baking began at a young age, inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the aromas of freshly baked cookies. One of her favorite recipes was a simple cake mix cookie that she would modify with various flavors. It was during one of these baking sessions that I stumbled upon the idea of adding cream cheese and orange to the mix, creating a soft, chewy cookie that has now become a family favorite. Each bite reminds me of those warm, loving afternoons spent baking with her.
What Makes This Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe Special?
What sets these cookies apart from ordinary cookies is the use of cream cheese, which adds a rich, creamy texture, making them incredibly soft and moist. The addition of orange extract infuses the cookies with a lively citrus flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. Plus, they are super easy to make, thanks to the convenience of cake mix, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
The Full Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and orange extract until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture, so take your time here!
- Add the cake mix: Gradually add the orange cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly to combine. If desired, you can add orange food coloring at this stage until you achieve your preferred orange hue.
- Incorporate the chocolate chips: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. The chocolate will add a delicious sweetness that complements the orange flavor.
- Chill the dough: To help the cookies maintain their shape while baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended!
- Shape the cookies: Once chilled, shape the dough into 24 uniform balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy coating before placing them on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a fun twist, consider adding orange zest to the dough for an extra citrusy punch. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for added texture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to try different flavors like lemon or vanilla for a unique twist.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They should be lightly golden on the edges and slightly soft in the center, as they will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-13 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 180
- Servings: 24 cookies
Orange Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
- Electric mixer For mixing ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 count egg
- 0.5 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and orange extract until smooth.
- Add the orange cake mix and mix thoroughly. If desired, add orange food coloring until you achieve your preferred orange hue.
- Stir the white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Shape the dough into 24 balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar and then place them on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12-13 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.