Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with these Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies. The rich, velvety taste of chocolate chips combines beautifully with the zesty, fragrant essence of fresh orange zest.
The citrusy brightness adds a surprising yet harmonious contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as an afternoon snack, these cookies offer a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Simple to make and impossible to resist, they’re a unique dessert that will quickly become a household favorite.
How To Make Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 10-12 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yields: 24 cookies
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Melted chocolate for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C)—line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare dry ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients
To the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined.
5. Combine dry and wet mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and continue mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, the white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Scoop dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake & cool
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Garnish (Optional)
For a little extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. You can melt some semi-sweet or milk chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler, then drizzle it using a spoon or piping bag.
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 17g |
Serving Suggestions
❖ With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
❖ Gift Idea: Package them in a cute box or jar to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
❖ Dessert Table: Serve them on a dessert table at your next gathering or party.
❖ Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Tips and Variations
✤ Use Different Chocolate Chips: If you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate, feel free to switch up the chocolate chips. Dark chocolate adds a richer taste, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter cookie.
✤ Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the texture.
FAQS
What makes Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies unique?
The combination of rich chocolate chips and fresh orange zest creates a sweet and citrusy flavor profile that adds a unique twist to traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the orange zest with orange extract?
Yes, you can use orange extract, but the zest offers a fresher, more natural citrus flavor. If using extract, add a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw before baking.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies are the perfect blend of rich sweetness and refreshing citrus. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and uplifting.
Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re sure to become a go-to treat for any occasion.