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Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

These Chocolate Orange Cookies combine rich cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a vibrant burst of fresh orange zest, creating a soft and tender cookie with a delightful citrus twist. The subtle hint of cardamom adds a warm, aromatic note, balancing the sweetness perfectly. Chilled before baking, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to a perfect soft-center texture topped with a fragrant orange sugar sprinkle.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 125 g all-purpose flour
  • 45 g natural unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Sugars and Flavorings

  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g soft brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated, plus 1 tablespoon more for topping)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Wet Ingredients

  • 113 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg

Add-ins

  • 170 g semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cardamom (if using), and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Combine Sugars and Orange Zest: In a large mixing bowl or the stand mixer bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers to release the oils from the orange zest and infuse the sugar with citrus flavor.
  3. Cream Butter and Vanilla: Add the room-temperature unsalted butter and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, then beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
  4. Add Egg: Beat in the egg on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually tip the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold them together gently using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until nearly combined, with some streaks of flour still visible.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: Mix the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough using the spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed.
  7. Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to stiffen, or up to 2 days for better flavor development and texture.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. The edges should be set, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a tender texture. For extra round cookies, gently swirl a large round cookie cutter around the hot cookies just after removing them from the oven.
  11. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release the oils and infuse the sugar with citrus aroma.
  12. Top Cookies: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the warm cookies with the orange sugar mixture, allowing it to gently melt and create a thin, fragrant topping as they cool.

Notes

  • If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount slightly, but be cautious as it can overpower the orange.
  • Using fresh, high-quality oranges for zest greatly enhances the flavor.
  • Chilling the dough longer (up to 2 days) develops deeper flavor and improves texture.
  • Do not overbake to preserve the soft center texture.
  • The orange sugar topping is best applied while cookies are still warm to lightly melt and bind it to the surface.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend appropriate for baking.

Keywords: chocolate orange cookies, citrus cookies, cocoa cookies, soft cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate chip cookies

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/chocolate-orange-cookies-recipe/