Name: Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 medium orange zest; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ cup salted butter (cold, diced); 2 large eggs (room temperature); ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk chocolate bar, chopped; Terry’s chocolate orange slices for topping; Flaked salt for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly marries the zesty brightness of orange with the rich, creamy indulgence of chocolate, the Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies have a tender, thick texture, kissed with just the right amount of citrus zing and studded with melty chocolate chunks that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of flavors that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a single large mound of thick, light brown dough with a slightly grainy texture and rough surface. There is some white flour dust spread unevenly inside the bowl around the dough, emphasizing the mixing process. The dough's shape is irregular with soft ridges and folds, showing it was recently stirred. The overall scene looks clean and simple with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the bright orange zest that wakes up the sugar to the cold butter that ensures a delightful texture. Together, they create a balanced cookie that’s chewy, flavorful, and beautifully textured.

¼ cup granulated sugar: Helps brighten the flavor and crisp the edges.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
1 medium orange zest: The secret star that infuses each bite with fresh citrus aroma.
½ cup salted butter (cold): Gives the dough structure and a tender bite.
1 tablespoon vanilla: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the dough while keeping it soft and chewy.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: Provides gentle leavening for a light texture.
¾ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for perfect rise.
2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie’s body.
1 cup milk chocolate bar chopped: Melts into pockets of gooey sweetness.
Terry’s Chocolate Orange for topping: Adds a decorative and tasty finish.
Flaked salt for topping: A sprinkle of salty crunch to elevate every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Sugars with Orange Zest

Start by placing the granulated and brown sugars into a medium mixing bowl. Add the zest of a fresh orange and rub the zest gently with your fingers into the sugars. This step is essential as it releases the aromatic oils from the zest, blending the citrus fragrance deep into your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter with Sugars and Add Wet Ingredients

Dice the cold butter into small chunks and add it to the sugar and zest mixture. Beat everything together until combined but still a bit chunky since the cold butter keeps the cookies tender during baking. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, which create a velvety base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly sift and mix in the baking soda, salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Working these into the batter carefully prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cookies. The balanced use of baking soda and powder ensures a perfect rise and a chewy yet fluffy texture.

Step 4: Fold in the Milk Chocolate Chunks

Gently fold the chopped milk chocolate bar into the dough, distributing the chunks evenly so each cookie will have delicious bursts of melty chocolate. This adds the indulgent element every good Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe needs.

Step 5: Shape the Dough and Chill

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Shape them to be taller and thinner to help the cookies stay thick and soft during baking. Cover the dough and chill it for anywhere between 2 to 24 hours. Chilling deepens the flavors and prevents spreading in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for a light golden brown on top. This color signals that the cookies are perfectly baked – soft in the center but slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 7: Add Signature Toppings

While the cookies are still warm, press a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange into the center of each one and sprinkle with flaked salt. This final step adds a sophisticated touch, blending salt, citrus, and chocolate into a symphony of flavor with every bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with a light golden brown color and a soft, slightly cracked texture. Each cookie has a piece of smooth, dark milk chocolate shaped like a slice of orange pressed into its center, with a few flakes of white sea salt sprinkled on top. The cookies are placed on white parchment paper with a subtle texture, on a white marbled surface. The cookies are thick, with visible chocolate chips baked into them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit more orange zest or a drizzle of melted chocolate can enhance the visual appeal and intensify the orange-chocolate flavor. Adding a few flakes of sea salt on top continues to provide a tempting contrast against the sweet chocolate.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Orange Cookies taste incredible with a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For an extra treat, serve alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the zesty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh orange slices and chocolate shards for a festive look. You could also sandwich them with orange-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting to turn this recipe into a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them chewy and flavorful, so they’re just as delicious the next day for a quick sweet fix.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive the chocolate’s meltiness and soft texture, making them feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the orange zest, offering a slightly bitter contrast that intensifies the overall flavor.

Why is it important to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which helps cookies hold their shape better and prevents excessive spreading. It also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix designed for baking, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a fine grater or a microplane, avoiding the white pith underneath which can be bitter. Only zest the outermost colored layer to get the freshest citrus oils.

Can I substitute the Terry’s Chocolate Orange topping?

Yes, you can use any chocolate orange segments or even just orange-flavored chocolate pieces if you can’t find Terry’s. The goal is to top the cookies with that signature combination of chocolate and orange.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe that makes them a standout in any cookie lineup. With the perfect balance of zesty citrus, rich chocolate, and just enough saltiness, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to keep baking over and over. So, gather your ingredients, give the recipe a go, and enjoy every warm, melty bite of this delicious classic shared between friends and family.