Irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible orange dark chocolate cookies offer a delightful blend of citrus brightness and rich chocolate flavor. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, they are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips)
• Optional: extra orange zest and flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the dark chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow spreading.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: If desired, garnish warm cookies with extra orange zest and flaky sea salt for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger orange aroma, increase the orange zest to 2 tablespoons or add a few drops of orange extract.
• Try white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter twist.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying. To refresh, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, regular chocolate chips or even semi-sweet chocolate chips will work well, but dark chocolate adds a nice balance to the bright orange flavor.

What if I don’t have orange zest on hand?

You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor, or omit it entirely for a simpler chocolate cookie.

Irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 18 cookies 1x

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Description

These Irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies combine the zesty brightness of fresh orange with rich, bittersweet dark chocolate chunks for a delightful twist on a classic cookie. Soft and chewy with a hint of citrus aroma, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Garnish

• ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips)
• Optional: extra orange zest and flaky sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars using an electric mixer or a strong spoon until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest: Beat in the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and combining until just mixed to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Fold in Dark Chocolate Chunks: Carefully fold the dark chocolate chunks or chips into the dough so they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden.
8. Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, garnish with extra orange zest and flaky sea salt while the cookies are still warm for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

• Ensure butter is properly softened to help cream it smoothly with sugars.
• Do not overmix the dough to maintain tender cookies.
• Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven for perfect texture.
• Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup.
• Optional garnishes of orange zest and flaky sea salt enhance both aroma and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange cookies, dark chocolate cookies, citrus cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, homemade cookies, quick dessert