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There is something utterly magical about the combination of citrusy brightness and rich indulgence, and the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe captures this harmony perfectly. These cookies offer a tender, chewy bite packed with luscious chunks of dark chocolate that melt in your mouth alongside vibrant bursts of fresh orange zest. It’s a bakery-quality treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for surprising your loved ones or just treating yourself to an unforgettable snack. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will become your go-to for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these irresistible cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a vital role in building the cookie’s unique flavor, tender structure, and delightful balance between sweet and citrusy notes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect sturdy base for chewy cookies without being too cakey.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly and develop that wonderful texture.
- Cornstarch: Adds tenderness, giving the cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Kosher sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture that keeps the cookies perfectly soft.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel depth for chewy texture.
- Orange zest: Bursts of bright, fresh citrus flavor that awakens the senses.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the orange and chocolate tones.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Dark chocolate bar (chopped): Chunky pieces provide luscious, bittersweet bites against the sweet dough.
- Sea salt (for garnish): A sprinkle of finishing salt heightens the chocolate and orange flavors.
How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt for consistent rising and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. This process aerates the butter, giving your cookies that lovely light texture while infusing them with buttery sweetness.
Step 4: Add Flavors and Eggs
Next, mix in the vibrant orange zest and fragrant vanilla extract, letting their aromas infuse the dough. Beat in the eggs one at a time to bind the ingredients and add richness, ensuring a smooth mixture.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks. These melty pockets of bittersweet chocolate will be the star contrast to the zesty dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Place your dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This resting period thickens the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the flavors meld beautifully for a more intense orange and chocolate balance.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Shape the chilled dough into balls and arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges turn a delicious golden brown. Let them cool on the sheet before transferring to a rack to set—this ensures a chewy interior with slight crispness around the edges.
How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking enhances each bite by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and orange flavors. You can also add a thin orange zest twist on the side for a fresh, decorative flourish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea, accentuating their citrus and chocolate notes. For a decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking a few cookies tied with a rustic ribbon or presenting them in a beautiful jar as a heartfelt homemade gift. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese orange frosting between two cookies to turn them into irresistible dessert bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect to bake ahead for guests or snack cravings.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the shaped dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time, or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies with that fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds revives their chewy, melty charm perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier cookie experience, but the rich balance of orange and chocolate might feel less intense compared to dark chocolate. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the butter and allows the flavors, especially the orange zest and vanilla, to develop fully. Plus, it helps the cookies spread less during baking for a thicker, chewier texture.
How fresh does the orange zest need to be?
Fresh orange zest is key to achieving that bright, lively citrus flavor. Avoid pre-packaged or dried zest as it can taste bitter or dull. Use organic oranges if possible to avoid any wax or pesticide residue.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the chewy texture this recipe is known for.
What’s the best way to chop the dark chocolate bar?
Use a sharp chef’s knife to roughly chop the chocolate into uneven chunks. Larger pieces create delightful pockets of melted chocolate, while smaller chunks ensure an even distribution throughout the dough.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe truly feels like sharing a bite of happiness. The blend of zesty citrus and rich chocolate wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie is a match made in dessert heaven. I hope you’ll find as much joy in baking and indulging in these cookies as I have—happy baking!
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Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine the zesty freshness of orange with rich, bittersweet dark chocolate chunks for an irresistibly delicious treat. With a tender, chewy texture and a hint of sea salt on top, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Add-ins
- 6 oz dark chocolate bar (chopped)
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt until well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a light texture for the cookie dough.
- Add Flavorings and Eggs: Incorporate the fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients and infuse citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender. Then fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step helps the flavors meld and firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookie texture.
- Form and Bake: Form dough balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the chocolate and orange flavors before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for texture and flavor development; do not skip this step.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for the best taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, shape dough into balls and freeze before baking, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time directly from frozen.
