Irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible orange dark chocolate cookies combine zesty citrus with rich dark chocolate for a delightful treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion or a sweet everyday indulgence.

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 granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well 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 through the dough.
7. Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
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: Optional: While still warm, sprinkle extra orange zest and flaky sea salt on top for added flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest to ensure vibrant, fresh citrus flavor in every bite.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy in the center.
• Choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a richer, deeper chocolate taste.
• For extra convenience, chill the cookie dough for up to 48 hours before baking—it helps develop flavor and controls spread.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is recommended for its flavor and texture, but you can use margarine in equal amounts. Using oil may change the cookie texture and flavor, making them less chewy.

Is it okay to use dried orange zest instead of fresh?

Fresh orange zest provides the best flavor and aroma. Dried zest is less flavorful, so if you use it, consider increasing the quantity slightly or adding a few drops of orange extract.

Irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

These irresistible Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies combine the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with rich dark chocolate chunks for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, these cookies are an easy and delightful treat to bake and share.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
3. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest: Beat in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix well to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold the dark chocolate chunks into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Scoop Dough Onto Baking Sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional Garnish and Serve: While cookies are still warm, sprinkle with extra orange zest and flaky sea salt for an enhanced flavor. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor.
• Do not overbake to maintain soft centers in the cookies.
• For a richer chocolate taste, choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao content.
• The cookie dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours before baking to develop deeper flavors.

Keywords: orange dark chocolate cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, orange zest cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft chocolate cookies, baking