Description
Delight in the perfect balance of zesty orange and rich chocolate with these Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor complemented by sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Ideal for a special treat or sharing at gatherings, they bake up beautifully with a tender crumb and just the right amount of chewiness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon orange flavoring
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (9g) orange zest
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (255g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Sugars: Place the melted butter in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Into the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla bean paste, orange flavoring, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly. Then add the baking soda and salt. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are combined. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl during mixing to evenly distribute ingredients. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Chill the Dough: Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the lined cookie sheet. Because spacing is not crucial here, they can be close together. Cover the cookie sheet tightly with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step helps develop flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a second cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough balls from the refrigerator and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 11 to 15 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color and the tops lose their glossy appearance.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or plate to cool further. This resting time helps them set and maintain their tender texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and preventing cookie spreading during baking.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- The orange flavoring and zest can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder citrus note.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips both work well; feel free to choose your favorite.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
