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If you have a love for the cozy combination of citrus and chocolate, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies are meticulously infused with fresh orange zest and topped with luscious melted chocolate, creating a perfect harmony of bright and rich flavors. Every bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of zesty sweetness and smooth chocolate, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion or just a simple indulgence at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and vibrant flavor. From the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb, to the fresh orange zest that adds that citrusy spark, every item has a purpose.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks, softened): The essential base for the rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the orange and chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure, ensuring the perfect shortbread crumble.
- Fresh orange zest (1 tablespoon): Bursts with vibrant citrus flavor that brightens up every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall warmth and depth of the cookie flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (1 cup): The luscious topping that adds a rich counterpoint to the tangy zest.
- Coconut oil or butter (1 teaspoon, optional): Makes the melted chocolate silky smooth and glossy.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates that wonderfully tender crumb. Next, mix in the fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to infuse the dough with vibrant flavor and depth.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. This step is vital because overmixing can toughen the dough, so be gentle to keep the delicate shortbread texture.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a round disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their beautiful shapes during baking, preventing any unwanted spreading.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out your favorite shapes using cookie cutters. Place the shapes on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring between intervals, until smooth. For a shiny, more fluid finish, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter while melting. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, or alternately, drizzle the chocolate over the tops using a spoon. Set the cookies on parchment-lined trays and let the chocolate set at room temperature or briefly chill in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe even more, try sprinkling a little extra orange zest or finely chopped candied orange peel on top of the chocolate before it sets. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt also brings out the rich chocolate flavor brilliantly and adds an exciting contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies are incredible on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of tea—especially Earl Grey or a bright green tea—allows the citrus notes to shine even further. A glass of cold milk or a rich espresso works beautifully too, offering balance and complementing the cookie’s buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a charming platter with a few fresh orange slices and chocolate shards for a festive touch. They also make delightful gifts when stacked tied with a vibrant ribbon, or nestled in a decorative tin for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which will be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly fresh and retain their buttery texture for up to a week—just be sure to keep them away from heat or moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully; just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This step softens the cookie without melting the chocolate topping, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh zest?
While orange extract can add flavor, fresh orange zest offers a brighter, fresher citrus aroma and oils that really enhance the cookie’s character. If you must substitute, use about ½ teaspoon of high-quality orange extract, but fresh zest is always best.
What type of chocolate works best for the topping?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the shortbread and the citrus notes. Milk chocolate can be used, but it might make the cookies sweeter and less balanced flavor-wise.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to mimic the texture of the gluten in traditional flour.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness; thinner dough will bake into crispier cookies, while thicker dough tends to stay more tender and crumbly, which is perfect for shortbread.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is key for keeping the cookies’ shape during baking and for developing the flavors. It also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling and cutting into shapes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves the delightful marriage of citrus and chocolate in a tender, crumbly cookie. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, these cookies deliver joy in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you.
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Print
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these buttery Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies, combining classic shortbread with zesty orange and rich melted chocolate for a sophisticated twist on a traditional favorite. Perfectly crisp and flavorful, they make an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed butter-sugar mixture, blending well to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently just until combined without overworking the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier shaping and to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer the cookies carefully to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature before adding chocolate.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Optionally, stir in coconut oil or butter to achieve a shinier, smoother melted chocolate.
- Decorate Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over the tops using a spoon for a decorative effect.
- Set Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated cookies onto a parchment-lined tray and let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until firm.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for easier handling and to maintain the shape during baking.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- If desired, use orange-flavored extract in addition to or instead of fresh zest for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
