Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies offer a luxurious twist on classic shortbread with the zesty brightness of orange and the rich decadence of chocolate. These cookies are buttery, crisp, and infused with citrus, making them a perfect companion to tea, coffee, or as a refined addition to your holiday or everyday dessert spread.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

flourunsalted buttersugarorange zestvanilla extractsaltdark chocolate (chopped or chips)orange extract (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and optional orange extract, mixing until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.

Fold in the chopped dark chocolate until evenly distributed.

Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter contrast.
Add chopped candied orange peel for extra citrus intensity.
Shape the dough with cookie cutters for a festive look.

storage/reheating

Store Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
To re-crisp, bake briefly at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice instead of zest?

Zest provides more concentrated flavor, but a small amount of juice can be used with caution to avoid altering the dough texture.

What type of chocolate is best?

High-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) provides a rich balance to the sweet and citrusy notes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to 3 days in advance or frozen for 2 months.

Why is my dough crumbly?

Shortbread dough is naturally crumbly but should hold together when pressed—add a small amount of butter if needed.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are moderately sweet with the bitterness of dark chocolate and the brightness of orange balancing the flavor.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but omit the added salt to prevent over-salting.

Can I use orange oil instead of extract?

Yes, but use it sparingly as it’s much more concentrated.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Absolutely, a stand mixer makes the creaming and mixing process quicker and more efficient.

Are these good for gifting?

Yes, their elegant flavor and sturdy texture make them excellent for gifting.

Can I skip the chocolate?

Yes, but the chocolate complements the orange beautifully and adds richness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are a refined and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The buttery texture, zesty orange, and indulgent chocolate make each bite a sophisticated treat. Whether for holidays, gifts, or personal indulgence, these cookies deliver elegance and flavor in every bite.