There is something wonderfully indulgent about the combination of citrus and chocolate, and this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. These cookies offer a delightful balance of bright, zesty orange flavor and rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a sweet afternoon treat or need a unique cookie to brighten your next gathering, this recipe promises cookie heaven with crispy edges and chewy centers bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of butter to the fresh zing of orange zest, every element harmonizes beautifully in these cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness in your cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just the right amount for a tender crumb.
- Cornstarch: Adds a delicate softness, making the texture melt-in-your-mouth.
- Kosher sea salt: Enhances the sweet and citrus flavors for perfect balance.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a buttery taste that’s essential for cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and promotes crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings moistness and deep caramel notes to the cookie’s core.
- Orange zest: Infuses the dough with fresh, aromatic citrus flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Dark chocolate bar (chopped): Offers pockets of bittersweet chocolate that complement the orange perfectly.
- Sea salt (for garnish): A sprinkle on top adds a lovely contrast and enhances the overall taste.
How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s just the right temperature when your cookies are ready to bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt. This blend ensures your cookies get that perfect rise and tender bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for that light, tender cookie texture. Then, add the freshly grated orange zest, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and beautifully fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Fold in Chocolate
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Then fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks, distributing the chocolatey goodness evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Refrigerating the dough for at least two hours is key for thick, chewy cookies. Chilling allows the flavors to mature and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Form dough balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spaced well apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly soft center. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets just enough so they set perfectly before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking elevates the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe amazingly by highlighting the contrast of flavors. You could also dust with a little powdered sugar for a touch of festive charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot black coffee, or a soothing cup of herbal tea. The richness of the chocolate and citrus notes make them a perfect companion for many beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try stacking the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of candied orange in between as a playful dessert stack. Alternatively, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to a week, making them ideal for enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you want to savor the cookies later, the dough freezes beautifully. Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds. This revives their softness and makes the chocolate chunks wonderfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?
While orange extract can provide a citrus flavor, fresh orange zest delivers a vibrant and natural aroma that truly makes these cookies special. If you must substitute, use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
What type of dark chocolate is best for this recipe?
Choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar with at least 60-70% cocoa content. It balances the sweetness and complements the orange zest, creating that rich, sophisticated flavor these cookies are known for.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but it’s best to use one that includes xanthan gum for texture. The cookies may turn out slightly different in texture but will still be delicious.
Why is chilling the dough important for this recipe?
Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helping them develop the perfect chewy texture with crisp edges.
Can I add nuts to the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and pair well with both orange and dark chocolate. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chunks in Step 4.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. The bright citrus notes paired with rich chocolate chunks make every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll instantly become one of your favorite homemade treats to share and savor.
Print
Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies, a perfect blend of zesty orange and rich dark chocolate chunks nestled in a tender, buttery cookie. With a crisp edge and chewy center, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on a classic treat, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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 both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This creates a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Flavorings and Eggs: Incorporate the orange zest and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure homogeneity.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks evenly.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, aiding in cookie shape retention during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Form dough balls of desired size and place them on the prepared baking sheets with space for spreading. Optionally sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the chocolate flavor. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and developing the perfect texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for flavor development and helps in handling the dough easily.
- Use a sharp dark chocolate bar for chunks instead of chips for better texture and flavor.
- Sea salt sprinkled on top adds a delightful contrast and enhances the chocolate taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust baking time according to cookie size; smaller cookies may require less time.
