Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Festive Treat

These delightful chocolate orange cookies combine the rich flavor of cocoa with the bright citrus notes of fresh orange, creating a perfect balance that will satisfy any chocolate-orange craving. The recipe delivers chewy, bendy cookies with just the right amount of crispness on top—reminiscent of the edge of a brownie according to one enthusiastic taste tester.

Why This Combination Works

• Orange zest and juice distribute citrus flavor uniformly throughout each bite

• Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate foundation

• The chewy texture complements the flavor profile better than soft alternatives

• Simple ingredients come together to create complex, satisfying flavors

Recipe Details

Ingredients You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 1/3 cups (about 9 ounces) sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (from 1 whole orange)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color and have increased in volume.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, mix in the fresh orange juice and grated zest.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies look dry on top. They should still be soft in the center. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Pro Tips for Success

• Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming

• Don't skip the chilling time—it makes the dough easier to handle and improves texture

• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor

• Don't overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness

Perfect for Any Occasion

These chocolate orange cookies are versatile enough for:

• 🎄 Christmas gatherings and holiday parties

• After-school snacks with a glass of milk

• 🎁 Gift-giving in decorative tins

• ☕ Coffee breaks and afternoon tea

• ️ Dessert plates and cookie trays

The combination of chocolate and orange makes these cookies particularly festive, but they're delicious year-round. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults.

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper

• Zester or fine grater

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wire cooling rack

Final Thoughts

These chocolate orange cookies represent the perfect marriage of two classic flavors. The chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and vibrant citrus notes make them stand out from ordinary chocolate cookies. Whether you're a longtime fan of the chocolate-orange combination or trying it for the first time, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Recipe adapted from Serious Eats' chocolate orange cookie creation