Irresistible Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe to Bake Today

Buttery, crumbly shortbread gets a delightful twist with a zesty orange chocolate chip recipe that promises pure indulgence.

These melt-in-your-mouth cookies blend rich chocolate and bright citrus notes into a single, irresistible treat.

The golden edges and tender center make each bite a moment of pure bliss.

Rich chocolate chips scattered throughout complement the vibrant orange zest, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Delicate and crisp, these shortbread cookies elevate your afternoon tea or dessert spread.

Baking these orange chocolate chip shortbread cookies will fill your kitchen with an incredibly enticing aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Dive into this simple yet elegant recipe and treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness.

Storage Tips for Shortbread Without Losing Crunch

• Quick Batch Preparation: Whip up a double batch of these shortbread cookies and store half the dough in the freezer for spontaneous baking sessions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Smart Portioning: Create uniform cookie sizes by using a cookie scoop or weighing each portion. This ensures consistent baking and professional-looking treats every time.
• Gifting Strategy: Package cooled cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags for charming homemade gifts. Add a ribbon for an extra touch of elegance and personal flair.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 169 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for classic shortbread texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates delicate sweetness and helps achieve crisp cookie edges.
• Orange Zest: Delivers bright, vibrant citrus notes that complement chocolate beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded depth and complexity to the shortbread's flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and provides essential fat for shortbread's signature crumbly consistency.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Introduces delightful chocolate bursts and adds playful texture contrast throughout the cookie.

Equipment for Buttery, Citrusy Shortbread

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming sugar, butter, and mixing dough smoothly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining flour and salt before adding to wet ingredients.
• Zester or Grater: Crucial for creating fine orange zest that infuses flavor into the sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough to the perfect ½ inch thickness.
• 2-inch Cookie Cutter: Shapes cookies into uniform size and shape.
• Baking Sheet: Provides even surface for baking cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Helps fold chocolate chips into dough and scrape mixture from sides of bowl.

Baking Instructions for Chocolate-Orange Cookies

• Zesty Sugar Base

Blend orange zest with sugar, crushing and mixing until the mixture becomes aromatic and slightly damp, releasing intense citrus oils.

• Butter Fusion

Incorporate softened butter and vanilla into the zesty sugar, gently blending until a smooth, creamy consistency forms.

• Flour Integration

Gradually mix flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring carefully to create a soft, crumbly dough without overmixing.

• Chocolate Surprise

Gently fold mini chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution for delightful bursts of sweetness.

• Dough Preparation

Shape the dough into a flat disc and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.

• Oven Readiness

Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll out the chilled dough to a half-inch thickness and cut into delicate rounds using a cookie cutter.

• Final Chill

Place cookie shapes in the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.

• Baking Magic

Bake for 25-28 minutes until edges turn golden brown and bottoms are crisp.

• Cooling Moment

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, letting them develop a perfect, delicate crunch.

Tips for Dough Texture and Chip Distribution

• Add extra orange zest for a more intense citrus flavor that makes these shortbread cookies pop with brightness.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood or occasion.
• Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their delicate texture and rich flavor.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising taste or texture.
• Prepare the dough in advance and freeze for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to have fresh, homemade shortbread cookies ready whenever a craving strikes.

Serving These Cookies as Snacks or Gifts

• Pair with Afternoon Tea: Serve these delightful shortbread cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or orange-infused tea for a luxurious mid-afternoon treat.
• Create Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful plate with fresh orange segments, dark chocolate shavings, and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Gift with Charm: Package the cooled shortbread in clear cellophane bags tied with a rustic ribbon, perfect as a homemade gift for friends, family, or holiday gatherings.
• Elevate with Ice Cream: Crumble these cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra layer of citrusy, crunchy goodness that transforms a simple dessert into something special.

Zesty Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Warm Italian orange chocolate chip shortbread melts with buttery richness and zesty citrus notes. Crisp edges and delicate crumb invite delightful indulgence from first delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1.75 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 5 tsp orange zest (approx. zest from 2 large oranges)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup (45 grams) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• 0.125 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Whisk flour and salt in a mixing bowl, setting aside for later use.
2. Zest Infusion: Massage orange zest into granulated sugar using the back of a spoon until fragrant and slightly moist.
3. Creaming: Blend room temperature butter and vanilla extract with the zesty sugar mixture on low speed until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Dough Formation: Gently incorporate flour mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined while avoiding overmixing.
5. Chocolate Integration: Fold miniature chocolate chips evenly throughout the shortbread dough.
6. Chilling: Form the dough into a flat disc and refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify and intensify flavors.
7. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
8. Shaping: Roll chilled dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, cutting into 2-inch round shapes.
9. Pre-Baking Chill: Place cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
10. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 25-28 minutes until bottom edges turn golden amber, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before serving.

Notes

• Zest Technique: Gently rub orange zest into sugar to release intense citrus oils and maximize flavor depth.
• Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is precisely room temperature for optimal dough consistency and smooth mixing.
• Chilling Importance: Never skip refrigeration, as it prevents cookie spread and concentrates rich butter and orange flavors.
• Baking Precision: Watch edges carefully during baking; golden amber bottom indicates perfect shortbread doneness without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish-British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 169
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 3 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg