Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are the ideal blend of buttery richness, citrusy zing, and indulgent chocolate. These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With a crisp texture and a burst of orange flavor, these treats are a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 orange)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Optional: orange sprinkles or additional zest for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a tender texture.
Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly combined for that signature citrusy aroma.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. You don’t want to overwork the dough.
Shape the Dough:
Roll the dough into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before dipping them in chocolate.
Chocolate Dipping and Garnishing:
Once the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
Place the dipped cookies on parchment paper to set. If desired, sprinkle with orange sprinkles or additional zest to enhance the flavor and add a festive touch.
Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the chocolate to fully set before serving or storing the cookies. For the best results, place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate hardens properly.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: To make your cookies extra special, arrange them on a beautiful platter or serve them in festive containers for holiday parties. If you’ve added orange sprinkles or extra zest, the bright pop of color will make them look even more enticing.
Pairings: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Gift Ideas: Pack the cookies in a cute gift box or tin with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. These cookies make excellent gifts for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Containers: Store your Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 1 week. The airtight seal prevents the cookies from becoming stale and helps maintain their texture.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend the freshness of the chocolate coating, store the cookies in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough or the finished cookies for longer storage. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. To freeze the baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
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FAQs:
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. If you’d like to make the cookies further in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Once baked and dipped in chocolate, the cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for dipping?
Absolutely! While dark or semi-sweet chocolate pairs wonderfully with the orange flavor, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer. Just be sure to melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning it, and adjust the amount of sweetness according to your taste preferences.
How can I add more orange flavor to these cookies?
For an extra burst of orange flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest in the dough by 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Additionally, you can add a small amount of orange extract or orange juice to the dough for a more intense citrus flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the dough’s consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure the chocolate you’re using is also gluten-free, as some chocolates may contain traces of gluten. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious!
Conclusion:
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their buttery shortbread texture, tangy orange flavor, and decadent chocolate coating, they’re sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in these irresistible cookies that offer the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are a perfect holiday treat with a rich, buttery shortbread base infused with zesty orange and dipped in indulgent chocolate. These cookies are easy to make, ideal for gifting, and perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Try this irresistible recipe today and impress your guests!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 orange)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Optional: orange sprinkles or zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Roll the dough into a 2-inch log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dip in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set. Garnish with orange sprinkles or zest if desired.
- Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate to fully set before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
You can adjust the orange zest for more or less citrus flavor.
Dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or white chocolate can be used for dipping, depending on your preference.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
