These Chocolate and Orange Cookies Recipe are a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and the bright, citrusy flavor of orange, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
With a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, the cookies are soft and chewy, with a burst of flavor in every bite.
The addition of orange zest and juice infuses the dough with a refreshing citrus aroma, while the dark chocolate chips melt into the cookies for a gooey, indulgent treat.
Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare and will leave everyone craving more!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the easy steps of creating these delicious treats, share some helpful tips, and offer suggestions for variations to make this Chocolate and Orange Cookies Recipe your own!
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this chocolate and orange cookies recipe because it perfectly balances the richness of chocolate with the fresh, zesty flavor of orange.
The combination of these two ingredients creates a unique and irresistible taste that’s both comforting and refreshing.
The chocolate and orange cookies recipe are easy to make, with simple ingredients, and offer a delightful treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re indulging in one with your morning coffee or sharing them with friends, these cookies never fail to bring a little joy to every bite!
How To Prepare Chocolate And Orange Cookies Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 200 per cookie
Yield: 24 cookies
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice from 1 medium navel orange
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and both orange juices until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Lightly sprinkle sea salt over each cookie dough ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
6. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Special Note
❖ Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make an excellent homemade gift for friends and family. Wrap them up in a cute box or jar for a thoughtful, delicious present!
❖ Adjust the Zest: If you love the orange flavor, feel free to increase the orange zest to suit your taste. It adds a lovely, vibrant punch to each bite.
❖ Chocolate Variations: Try using milk or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist on this recipe, or even mix different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor profile.
❖ Freezing Tip: If you want to bake these cookies later, freeze the dough in individual portions. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no thawing needed!
Serving Ideas
These chocolate and orange cookies recipe are perfect on their own for a sweet snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
For an extra indulgence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert platter or as a homemade gift wrapped in a decorative box.
The combination of chocolate and citrus makes them a refreshing yet decadent treat for any occasion.
Helpful Tips Perfect Cookies
1. Softened butter creates a smoother dough and helps the cookies spread evenly while baking, ensuring a tender texture.
2. Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
3. Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing activates gluten, leading to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
4. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to avoid adding too much flour, which can make cookies dry and dense.
5. Underbake slightly for softer cookies. Take them out when the edges are golden, but the center is still a bit soft to achieve the perfect texture.
Storage And Reheating Tips
To store your chocolate and orange cookies recipe, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, freshly-baked texture. Enjoy them as if they were just made!
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Chewy Mini Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Best Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chewy Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Recipe
Best Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie
Recipe FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.
Can I substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate or white chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, but keep in mind that the flavor will be sweeter and less rich than with dark chocolate.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Add about ½ cup to the dough.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice provides a more vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice for the best taste.
Conclusion
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to make these chocolate and orange cookies recipe. They are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
With just the right balance of chocolatey richness and citrusy freshness, they’re sure to become a go-to treat in your recipe repertoire.
I hope you enjoy baking—and eating—these chocolate and orange cookies recipe as much as I do! Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how they turned out. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your photos. Happy baking!
Chocolate And Orange Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml orange juice from 1 medium navel orange
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and both orange juices until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt over each cookie dough ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.