d a decadent chocolate surprise at the center, each bite is a blend of fresh orange zest and smooth, rich chocolate. The bright, fruity flavor of orange pairs beautifully with the deep, velvety chocolate, creating a cookie that’s both refreshing and indulgent. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, offering a homemade treat that’s perfect for autumn afternoons or gatherings with loved ones. Each one is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love these orange and chocolate cookies for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The refreshing orange zest brightens the dough, while the melted chocolate center adds a rich, indulgent contrast. These cookies have a tender crumb, thanks to the combination of butter and oil, and the orange juice gives them a hint of citrusy tartness. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for both casual snacking or more formal occasions. The combination of fresh orange and luxurious chocolate is a match made in heaven, and the added touch of powdered sugar makes them even more delightful. Whether you’re serving them with coffee, tea, or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies will disappear quickly!
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for autumnal gatherings, whether you’re hosting a cozy afternoon tea or a casual family get-together. Their bright orange flavor makes them an excellent choice for Halloween or any October festivity. These cookies are also great to enjoy as a comforting afternoon snack, or to share with friends and family during fall picnics or weekend baking sessions. With their warm, chocolatey centers and bright citrus flavor, they make the perfect companion for a cool fall day.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate the look of your cookies, consider adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of elegance. You can also add a few curls of orange zest on top before baking for a beautiful, fragrant decoration. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving gives them a polished and festive finish, and if you're making these for a special occasion, serving them on a colorful autumn-themed platter will make them even more inviting. For a more playful presentation, consider shaping the dough into fun fall-themed designs, such as leaves or pumpkins.
Ingredients:
- 120g butter (softened to room temperature)
- 90g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- Juice of 1 medium orange (about 45ml)
- 45ml sunflower oil
- 8g baking powder
- 350g all-purpose flour (plus 20g extra if needed)
- 50g dark chocolate (substitute any high-quality chocolate)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, egg yolk, orange zest, orange juice, and sunflower oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder over the wet mixture, and mix everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be compact and not sticky to the touch. If it’s too sticky, add an extra 20g of flour until the dough is manageable.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 2 hours to firm up. This makes it easier to shape the cookies later.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), with both top and bottom heat, and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: After chilling, take about 50g of dough for each cookie. Flatten it slightly in your hand and place a small piece of chocolate in the center. Wrap the dough around the chocolate and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough. You should end up with about 13 cookies.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking tray, making sure to leave space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Once the cookies are baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant finish.
Enjoy your delicious orange and chocolate cookies, a perfect treat to share with loved ones or enjoy on a cozy autumn afternoon!
