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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- 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.
- Fold in Dark Chocolate Chunks: Carefully fold the dark chocolate chunks or chips into the dough so they are evenly distributed throughout.
- 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.
- 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
