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
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 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.
