The Zesty Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe You Need

Chocolate orange shortbread cookies bring a delightful twist to classic baking adventures.

Crisp edges mingle with soft centers, creating a sensational treat.

Sweet citrus notes dance alongside rich chocolate undertones.

Buttery layers promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple recipe.

Warm kitchen aromas will tempt anyone nearby.

Fresh from the oven, these cookies beckon you to savor their irresistible charm.

Keep Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Tasty

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain chocolate's crisp texture.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently for 5-10 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent chocolate from burning or becoming grainy.
• Let cookies sit in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat for 3-4 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and freshness.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Savor Citrus Sips: Pair with bright, zesty orange-infused tea that echoes the cookie's orange zest, creating a harmonious flavor dance.
• Chocolate Wine Delight: Select a rich port wine or a dessert-style Madeira that complements the chocolate coating, enhancing the cookie's decadent profile.
• Creamy Counterpoint: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a velvety vanilla latte to balance the shortbread's buttery texture and provide a smooth contrast.
• Palate-Cleansing Companion: Add a small scoop of lemon sorbet as a refreshing side that cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Fun Twists on Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use dairy-free dark chocolate for dipping and replace traditional chocolate chips with vegan chocolate alternatives.
• Lavender Orange Shortbread: Add dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant herbal twist. Reduce orange zest slightly to balance the floral notes and create a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar. Reduce chocolate coating or use dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage to minimize added sugar content.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• How do I know when the shortbread is perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set, matte appearance. The cookies should not brown significantly.

• What type of chocolate works best for dipping?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work great. Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.

• How can I enhance the orange flavor in the cookies?

Increase the amount of orange zest or add a small amount of orange extract to intensify the citrus notes in the shortbread.

What Makes Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Special

• Personalize these cookies by using different cookie cutter shapes for holidays, birthdays, or special celebrations, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Enjoy a simple recipe with basic pantry staples that transforms into an elegant, gourmet-style dessert without complicated techniques.
• Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing busy home bakers to break up the process and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookie Essentials

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color.
• Flour: Gives structure and classic shortbread crumb.

• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep background flavor.
• Salt: Balances and highlights other flavors.

• Chocolate Chips, Coconut Oil: Creates smooth chocolate coating with glossy finish.

Instructions for Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture that looks creamy and soft.

The texture should be fluffy and smooth.

Step 2: Blend Citrus and Flavor Enhancers

Incorporate orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt into the butter-sugar mixture.

Stir until all ingredients are fully integrated and the aroma becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually fold in flour, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

The dough should feel slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator.

Let it rest for at least one hour, which helps develop richer flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.

Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes – stars, circles, or classic rectangles work wonderfully.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

The cookies should look slightly pale in the center.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool entirely.

This step is crucial for maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 9: Chocolate Coating Magic

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, using 20-second intervals and stirring between each.

For extra shine, consider adding a touch of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.

Step 10: Decorate with Chocolate

Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate artfully across the tops using a spoon.

Create beautiful patterns or keep it simple.

Step 11: Set the Chocolate

Place decorated cookies on a parchment-lined tray.

Let the chocolate set at room temperature or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Helpful Tips for Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve a light, fluffy texture without melting.
• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the orange's outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Chill the dough for at least an hour to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use a fork to dip cookies into melted chocolate for a clean, even coating and allow excess chocolate to drip off smoothly.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain crispness and prevent chocolate from smudging.

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate orange shortbread cookies blend rich cocoa with zesty citrus, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Crisp edges and buttery crumb invite you to savor this irresistible treat that promises pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)

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Instructions

1. Whip butter and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a cloud-like, aerated consistency.
2. Incorporate vibrant orange zest, aromatic vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, blending thoroughly.
3. Gently fold in flour, stirring until ingredients harmonize without excessive manipulation.
4. Transform dough into a compact disc, encase in plastic membrane, and chill within refrigerator’s cool embrace for minimum 60 minutes to guarantee structural integrity during baking.
5. Calibrate oven to 350°F, positioning rack in central zone, and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Dust work surface with flour, then tenderly roll dough to approximately quarter-inch thickness, utilizing cookie cutters to craft desired silhouettes.
7. Arrange delicate shapes onto prepared sheet, baking 10-12 minutes until edges transform into a delicate golden hue.
8. Transfer cookies onto wire cooling platform, allowing complete temperature reduction.
9. Melt chocolate chips via microwave technique, executing brief 20-second intervals and stirring between each, until achieving silky smoothness.
10. Artfully immerse cookie halves into molten chocolate or elegantly drizzle using spoon’s graceful motion.
11. Position chocolate-adorned cookies on parchment-lined tray, permitting chocolate to solidify naturally at ambient temperature or expedite process within refrigerator’s cool environment.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers, ensuring the same tender texture.
• Chill dough longer than an hour for more defined cookie shapes and enhanced flavor development.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with orange zest for deeper, more complex flavor profile if standard chocolate chips feel too sweet.
• Replace butter with vegan margarine and plant-based chocolate for dairy-free and vegan-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg