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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Zest of 2 medium oranges (about 1 tablespoon) - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably 60% cocoa or higher) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for added sheen) - For dairy-free options, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. - If you want less sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup. Adjust the flour to balance wetness. - For gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. The ingredients create a lovely balance of flavors. Butter gives richness, while orange zest and juice add bright notes. Dark chocolate brings deep taste and pairs well with the cookies. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these cookies a delightful treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this. Beat it on medium speed until it gets light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add flavorings to the mixture. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and the zest of two medium oranges. This adds a fresh aroma and taste. Make sure to blend these ingredients well. Now it's time to form the dough. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Keep the mixer on low speed. Mix until you see a soft dough form. Finally, gently stir in 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. The dough should feel moist and slightly sticky. After the dough is made, you need to shape and chill it. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a log that is about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in parchment paper. Place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cookie removal later. When the dough is firm, it’s time to slice the cookies. Take the logs out of the fridge. Use a sharp knife to slice them into cookies about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. Now, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Keep going until it’s smooth. Once the cookies cool, dip each cookie’s edge into the melted chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped cookies on a wire rack or parchment paper to set. Using room temperature ingredients is key for smooth dough. When butter is soft, it mixes well with sugar. This creates a light and fluffy base. If the butter is too hard, it won’t blend properly. To get the perfect cookie consistency, add flour slowly. Mix it in until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. It should hold its shape but not be too dry. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking. This temperature helps the cookies spread evenly. Bake them for 12-15 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden color. You can tell when cookies are done by looking at the edges. If they look firm and slightly golden, they are ready. Let them cool on a wire rack for best results. For an attractive display, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. You can stack them or line them up neatly. This makes them look inviting and fun. Garnish your cookies with fresh orange zest. A light sprinkle adds color and a burst of aroma. You could also place slices of fresh orange around the cookies. This creates a vibrant, tasty theme. Enjoy your delightful treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, always use fresh oranges to extract the zest and juice. This enhances the overall taste of your cookies. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only helps in slicing but also results in a firmer cookie that holds its shape better during baking. Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for dipping. A higher cocoa percentage provides a richer flavor that complements the orange perfectly. Decorative Touch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate-dipped edge for a delightful contrast that enhances the sweetness of the cookies. {{image_4}} You can elevate your chocolate dipped orange shortbread by adding spices. Try a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices bring warmth and depth to the cookies. Exploring different types of chocolate also adds a fun twist. Use milk chocolate for a creamier taste. Dark chocolate gives a rich and bold flavor. Both options will make your cookies delightful. For extra flair, drizzle more chocolate on top. It creates a beautiful pattern and a sweet surprise. You can also add colorful sprinkles for a festive look. Incorporating nuts or dried fruits can add texture. Chopped almonds or walnuts can give a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or apricots can add a chewy element, making each bite special. You can create themed cookies for special occasions. For a holiday touch, add peppermint extract to the dough. It gives a fresh, minty flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Seasonal adaptations can make your cookies fit any time of year. Use lemon zest in spring for a bright taste. In autumn, consider adding pumpkin spice for a cozy feel. These variations keep the recipe exciting and fresh. To keep your chocolate dipped orange shortbread fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This method works best for short-term storage. You can use a cookie jar or a sealed plastic bag. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture. You can freeze these cookies before or after dipping in chocolate. To freeze before dipping, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For cookies already dipped in chocolate, wait for the chocolate to harden, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, take the cookies out and thaw them in the fridge. This keeps the chocolate smooth and the cookie texture just right. When stored correctly, these cookies last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can last for three months. Watch for signs that the cookies are no longer good. If they smell off or have a strange texture, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your chocolate dipped orange shortbread while they are fresh and tasty! Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate. Milk chocolate adds a creamier taste. White chocolate gives a sweet and smooth flavor. Each chocolate type changes the cookie's taste. If you use milk or white chocolate, reduce the sugar. This helps balance the sweetness. To make vegan chocolate dipped orange shortbread, swap butter for vegan butter. Use a plant-based milk like almond or soy instead of orange juice. For the chocolate, choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This keeps the cookie both tasty and vegan-friendly. These cookies pair well with coffee or tea. A cup of Earl Grey tea enhances the orange flavor. Dark chocolate pairs great with red wine, like Merlot. For dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch to your treat. You have learned how to make delicious chocolate-dipped orange shortbread cookies. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect cookies. You can explore variations and learn about storage options to keep cookies fresh. With these straightforward methods, you can easily impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking, and have fun experimenting with flavors!

Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies

Delicious shortbread cookies infused with orange flavor and dipped in rich dark chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon zest of 2 medium oranges
  • 1 4 freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest, ensuring that the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is fragrant.
  • Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed. Continue to mix until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
  • Gently stir in the fresh orange juice until fully incorporated into the dough. The dough should be moist and slightly sticky.
  • Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in parchment paper tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  • Once the dough is firm, remove the logs from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into cookies about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • While the cookies cool, place the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  • Once the cookies are cool, dip the edge of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped cookies on a wire rack or a sheet of parchment paper to set.
  • After the chocolate has hardened, your delicious chocolate dipped orange shortbread cookies are ready to be savored!

Notes

For a stunning presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh orange zest.
Keyword chocolate, cookies, dessert, orange