Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Orange Cookies offer a delightful combination of zesty citrus and rich chocolate in every bite. Crisp on the edges and soft in the center, they make a perfect treat for any occasion, bringing a fresh twist to classic cookie flavors.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 medium orange zest
• ½ cup salted butter (cold)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk chocolate bar, chopped
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange slices for topping
• Flaked salt for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the granulated sugar and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Add the orange zest and rub with your fingers until the zest infuses the sugars with flavor.
2. Step 2: Dice the cold butter into chunks and add to the bowl. Beat the butter and sugar mixture until combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing again until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the baking soda, salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour until just combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in the chopped milk chocolate pieces evenly throughout the dough.
5. Step 5: Using a ¼ cup scoop, portion the dough into balls. Shape each so they are taller and thinner to help maintain thickness while baking. Cover and chill the dough for 2 to 24 hours.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a light golden brown color on top. Remove from the oven, place a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange on each cookie, and sprinkle with flaked salt.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely before handling to ensure the chocolate topping sets properly.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the vanilla.
• Swap milk chocolate chunks for dark chocolate to add a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet orange zest.
• Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container layered with parchment paper for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and enjoy the fresh chocolate-orange combination.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh zest?

Yes, you can substitute about 1 teaspoon of orange extract for the fresh zest, but fresh zest provides a fresher and more vibrant citrus flavor.

Why should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps develop the flavors fully.

Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

Delightfully rich and aromatic Chocolate Orange Cookies combining the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with luscious milk chocolate chunks. These cookies feature a tender, thick texture achieved by chilling the dough and finishing with a unique Terry’s Chocolate Orange slice and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt for an irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes (including 2 hours minimum chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 medium orange zest
• ½ cup salted butter (cold)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Add-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup milk chocolate bar, chopped
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange slices for topping
• Flaked salt for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Orange Zest and Sugars: Place the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and freshly grated orange zest into a medium mixing bowl. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugars until the mixture becomes fragrant and evenly combined, releasing the orange oils for maximum flavor.
2. Add Butter and Combine: Cut the cold salted butter into small chunks and add to the sugared orange zest mixture. Beat the butter and sugars together until they form a creamy, combined mixture. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate fully.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring slowly just until everything is combined into a dough without overmixing.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold in the chopped milk chocolate bar pieces, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop and Chill Dough: Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop, portion the dough into dough balls. Shape them so they are taller and thinner rather than flat to help maintain thickness while baking. Cover the dough balls and chill them in the refrigerator for anywhere between 2 to 24 hours to develop flavors and improve texture.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for a light golden brown color on the tops indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
9. Add Toppings and Cool: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange into the center of each cookie and sprinkle with flaked salt. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack or serving to ensure they set properly.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for achieving thick, chewy cookies with enhanced flavor.
• Use room temperature eggs to help the dough come together smoothly.
• Using flaked sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and orange.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
• If Terry’s Chocolate Orange is not available, substitute with any milk chocolate orange-flavored slices or simply use extra chopped milk chocolate.

Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cookies, Orange Zest Cookies, Milk Chocolate Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Thick Cookies, Flaked Salt Cookies