Description
Dark chocolate orange shortbread cookies combine buttery richness, citrus zest, and deep cocoa flavor into a stunning slice-and-bake treat. Perfect for holidays or gifting, they’re crisp, elegant, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or substitute with orange extract)
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1–2 cups turbinado sugar, for rolling
Optional Toppings:
- Flaky sea salt
- Melted dark chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: Beat softened butter with both sugars for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
- Add extract and dry ingredients: Mix in vanilla (or orange) extract. Gradually add flour on low speed. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Fold in chocolate and zest: Stir in dark chocolate chips and fresh orange zest until evenly combined.
- Shape and chill dough: Divide into two logs (2 inches in diameter), wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prep for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush chilled logs with beaten egg and roll in turbinado sugar.
- Slice and bake: Slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and finish: Let cool on sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally drizzle with melted chocolate and top with sea salt or more zest.
Notes
- Butter texture: Use softened, not melted butter for best results.
- Chilling is essential: Cold dough slices clean and bakes evenly.
- Flavor boost: Add orange extract or a splash of juice for extra zing.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze dough or cookies for longer storage.
- Sharp knife: Use a sharp blade to slice rounds evenly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg