Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Fall is in the air! The leaves are turning, and the weather is changing. Halloween is almost here! I cannot tell you how much I love having an excuse to bake. I think part of the reason I created this food blog, was to have an excuse to bake. Fall has so many options for the novice to advanced baker. I like to bake recipes that relate to the current month.

 Although my recipe choice seems like it would be a more fitting for July, I thought it would be fun for Halloween. Because of the color, I thought orange creamsicle cookies would be festive. These cookies are eerily similar to an actual creamsicle. It's kind of scary actually, how much they taste like them. The orange extract brings that citrusy taste, while the pudding mix and white chocolate add a creamy feel. They are soft and light. They are everything you could want in a cookie, and more.

For the Cookies you will need: 

1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter (softened) or 1/2 cup margarine (softened)
1/8 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 (4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 large egg
0.5 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips or chopped wafers
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/8 teaspoon orange extract or orange oil.

pinch of salt
Recipe adapted from: www.food.com

Pre-heat oven to 375 F, and combine butter, sugar, & brown sugar

Add pudding mix, egg, and extracts/oil

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt

Gradually add flour mixture to original mixture in about 3 intervals. Add
 a few drops of food coloring.

Grate orange zest, and add it to the dough. Be careful not to grate the pit, for it can be very bitter!

Stir in white chocolate. I gave my wafers a semi-rough chop. I
 feel they combine better with the dough.

Roll dough into small-sized balls, and bake for 8-10 minutes.  

Allow to cool slightly

Enjoy

Happy Halloween!