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
Scale
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.
