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Chocolate Orange Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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