If you have a craving for cookies that are indulgent yet refreshingly vibrant, this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender, buttery cookies with a perfect balance of deep, bittersweet dark chocolate and lively bursts of orange zest. These cookies offer a beautiful contrast of flavors that will have you reaching for another before you even finish the first. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress with their luscious texture and bright citrus twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to the unforgettable taste and texture of these cookies. Each component plays a vital role, from providing structure and softness to delivering that signature chocolate-orange harmony.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their tender crumb and chewy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and maintain a light crumb.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra softness for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Kosher sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness that adds moisture and flavor depth.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crisp texture on the edges.
- Brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel undertone to the dough.
- Orange zest: Packs fragrant citrus oils that brighten every bite irresistibly.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm, familiar notes.
- Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and give the dough structure.
- Dark chocolate bar: Chunked up for luscious melt-in-your-mouth pockets of bittersweet richness.
- Sea salt (for garnish): Sprinkled lightly on top, it creates a wonderful contrast to the sweet and citrus flavors.
How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you perfect rounds every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt. This dry mixture will help your cookies maintain that ideal texture—light yet satisfyingly chewy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to getting a tender cookie with just the right sweet balance.
Step 4: Add Zest, Vanilla, and Eggs
Stir in the fragrant orange zest, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything is well combined. These ingredients infuse your dough with moisture, flavor, and richness.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients, Fold in Chocolate
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough! Then, fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks so every cookie gets perfectly scattered pockets of delight.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and enhancing the flavors as they develop.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Shape dough balls and place them spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes, just until the edges turn golden while the centers stay soft. After popping them out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool so they set with a tender chew.
How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking or right after cooling enhances the deep sweetness and citrus notes, making every bite a luxurious experience. You can also add a little extra orange zest on top for a fresh pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or a chilled glass of vanilla almond milk. For a decadent indulgence, serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a thin layer of orange-infused buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You could also dip one edge of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candied orange peel for a stunning presentation at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, keeping them soft and flavorful. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture.
Freezing
Cookie dough can be frozen before baking for up to three months. Simply shape dough balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to bake, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low-temperature oven to refresh the softness and meltiness of the chocolate chunks. This little trick makes them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and creamier, but the classic Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe balances the bittersweet flavor that dark chocolate provides perfectly with the citrus zest.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also lets the flavors meld, enhancing the final taste.
Can I substitute fresh orange zest with dried orange peel?
Fresh zest has the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Dried peel can be used in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same lively citrus aroma and may change the texture slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown while the center still looks slightly soft—that’s the key to achieving a chewy texture without being underbaked.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly, but the essential flavors of the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about the combination of orange and dark chocolate, and these cookies capture that magic in the most delicious way. The Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with a twist of sophistication that’s surprisingly simple to bake. I can’t recommend it enough for your next baking adventure—once you try them, I’m sure these cookies will become one of your go-to favorites too!
Print
Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings (cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine a delightful blend of zesty orange and rich dark chocolate chunks for a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and deep cocoa flavor. Soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are enhanced by a touch of sea salt on top, making them irresistible treats for any occasion.
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 and Garnish
- 6 oz dark chocolate bar, chopped
- Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavorings and Eggs: Incorporate the orange zest and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully combine and emulsify the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold the chopped dark chocolate pieces into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chunks.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step firms up the dough for easier handling and enhances the flavors.
- Form Cookies: After chilling, form the dough into balls of your desired size and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until they 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 for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while still warm for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for texture and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Adjust baking time slightly for larger or smaller cookies to ensure proper doneness.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor impact.
- Orange zest can be fresh or frozen zested orange peel for convenience.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
