Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings together the richness of dark chocolate and the refreshing zest of orange, then these Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are just what you need! This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and every time I bake them, it feels like a warm hug. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re whipping up a treat for a busy weeknight or bringing something special to a family gathering. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why they are so loved!

These cookies not only taste fantastic, but they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel at home. The combination of buttery shortbread and vibrant orange zest is truly magical!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these will be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make ahead: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of dark chocolate and orange zest creates a rich, bright flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
• Garnish options: You can customize them with extra garnishes like flaky sea salt or melted chocolate for an extra touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies, you’ll only need simple and wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather everything we need to create this tasty treat!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or sub orange extract for extra flavor!)
• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet works too!)
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest, plus more for garnish
• 1 egg, for egg wash
• 1-2 cups turbinado (raw) sugar, for rolling the dough in

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and adjust it according to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch!
• Change the citrus: Try lemon zest instead of orange for a different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for something sweeter!

How to Make Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding your softened butter to a mixing bowl along with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Mix them together using either a stand mixer or hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your dough, making your cookies nice and tender. Once fluffy, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Next, it’s time to incorporate the flour! Scrape down the sides of your bowl with a rubber spatula and slowly add in the flour while keeping your mixer on low speed. This method ensures that no flour flies out of the bowl, keeping your kitchen mess-free!

Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate and Zest

Once your flour is mixed in beautifully, add those rich dark chocolate chips and fresh orange zest into the dough as well. Gently mix until everything is combined. The dough should feel smooth and dry at this point—this means you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Divide your dough in half. Place one half on plastic wrap and form it into a circular log shape before rolling it up tightly in the wrap. Repeat this process with the other half of your dough. Chilling is important as it helps firm up your dough so that you’ll get perfectly shaped cookies when baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

While your logs chill in the fridge (for at least 2 hours or overnight), preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that when you’re ready to bake, your oven is hot enough to give those cookies a beautiful golden edge.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Once they’ve chilled properly, take one log out of the fridge. Remove it from its plastic wrap and lightly brush it with egg wash before rolling it in turbinado sugar. This gives each cookie an appealing sparkle once baked!

Step 7: Slice Your Cookies

Using a super sharp knife, slice the cookies about half an inch thick—aiming for uniform sizes will ensure even baking.

Step 8: Bake Them Up

Place each cookie on a lined baking sheet (you can fit about eight per sheet) and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes until their edges turn slightly brown while still looking soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool Down and Garnish

After baking, let them cool on the pan for about ten minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Once cooled, sprinkle some extra orange zest and flaky sea salt on top if you’d like! For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over each cookie.

Step 10: Enjoy!

While those first batch of cookies cools down on the rack, repeat steps six through nine with your remaining dough. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies! They’re sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Pro Tips for Making Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps to create a smooth and fluffy dough, resulting in tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the logs of dough not only makes slicing easier but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.
• Be precise with measurements: Accurate ingredient measurements ensure that your cookies have the perfect texture and flavor. A kitchen scale can be particularly helpful!
• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to swap dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or even white chocolate if you prefer! Each variation will bring its own unique taste profile to your cookies.
• Don’t skip the garnishes: Adding orange zest and sea salt not only makes these cookies visually appealing but also enhances the flavor, creating a beautiful contrast between sweet and savory.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

These Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are irresistible on their own, but with a little creativity, you can elevate your presentation and make them even more special!

Garnishes

• Fresh orange zest: A sprinkle of extra orange zest on top adds a vibrant touch and boosts the citrus flavor.
• Flaky sea salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a delightful crunch.
• Melted dark chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over your cooled cookies creates an elegant finish that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad pairs wonderfully with these cookies, balancing out their richness while adding a burst of color.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the buttery texture of the shortbread.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint complements the flavors wonderfully, making it a cozy pairing for an afternoon snack or dessert.
• Coffee: Enjoying these cookies with freshly brewed coffee creates a delightful combination, as the bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookie.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delicious Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving hits. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store or freeze them for later!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.
• To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm with that delightful chocolate and orange aroma!

FAQs

If you have some questions about these delicious cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Can I make Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies without butter?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!

How can I enhance the orange flavor in Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies?

To boost the orange flavor, try using orange extract in place of vanilla extract. Additionally, incorporating more orange zest will also amplify the citrusy notes.

What type of chocolate is best for Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies?

Using high-quality dark chocolate chips is ideal as it complements the buttery shortbread beautifully. Semi-sweet chocolate can also be used if preferred.

How do I prevent my Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies from spreading?

Ensure your dough is well-chilled before baking. If they spread too much, consider increasing the flour slightly during your next batch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies! They bring together the richness of dark chocolate and a hint of citrus brightness that makes every bite special. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress! Happy baking!