Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange zest with the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate chunks for a perfectly balanced treat. Soft and chewy with a hint of sea salt on top, these cookies offer a delightful gourmet twist on a classic dessert favorite. Easy to prepare, chill, and bake, they make a great option for both casual snacking and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Chocolate & Garnish
- 6 ounces Orange Dark Chocolate bar, chopped (brands like Lindt, Theo, Chocolove)
- Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds at full power until almost completely melted but still containing a few soft pieces.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar for 1 minute. Then add the orange zest and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for another minute to incorporate the flavors.
- Add Eggs and Flour Mixture: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped orange dark chocolate chunks along with any leftover shavings from the cutting board using a spatula to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up and develop the flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion the chilled dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of sea salt if desired for an extra flavor contrast.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove the cookies when their edges turn a golden brown color.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavor and helps control cookie spread during baking.
- If you don’t have orange dark chocolate, you can substitute with regular dark chocolate and add extra orange zest to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Using sea salt as a garnish adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness and enriches the overall taste experience.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy in the center.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: orange cookies, dark chocolate cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, citrus dessert, soft cookies, homemade cookies
