Print

Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine zesty orange flavor with rich dark chocolate chunks for a perfectly balanced, chewy cookie. The recipe features a buttery dough enhanced with orange zest and vanilla, chilled to deepen flavors, and baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast. Ideal for holiday treats or any time you want a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.

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
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs

Mix-Ins

  • 6 oz Orange Dark Chocolate bar, chopped (brands like Lindt, Theo, Chocolove recommended)

Garnish

  • Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds on full strength until almost completely melted but still with some soft pieces remaining. This ensures the butter incorporates well while retaining some texture.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening and thickening agents evenly.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 1 minute until creamy. Then add the orange zest and vanilla extract, continuing to beat on medium for another minute to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between additions to ensure they are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth cookie batter.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Lower mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat until just combined and the dough is soft but cohesive. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped orange dark chocolate pieces along with any leftover shavings for an even chocolate distribution.
  7. Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  9. Scoop Cookies: Use a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to form even dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Optionally, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
  10. Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Remove when the edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft.
  11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their chewy texture.

Notes

  • For a festive twist, try using cranberry orange dark chocolate bars during the holidays for a seasonal berry flavor.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • For longer preservation, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; they keep well for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

Keywords: Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Orange Zest Cookies

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/orange-dark-chocolate-chunk-cookies-recipe/