Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp, and delicately infused with bright citrus and rich chocolate flavor. These elegant cookies are perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or anytime you want a sweet treat with a sophisticated twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies combine the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the irresistible pairing of dark chocolate and fresh orange zest. They’re easy to prepare, slice, and bake, and they store beautifully for gifting or make-ahead baking.

• Buttery and crumbly with a tender bite
• Perfect balance of sweet, citrus, and chocolate
• Elegant enough for holidays and special occasions
• Easy to make with just a few ingredients
• Great for gifting or freezing ahead

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Orange zest (freshly grated)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chips
• Optional: orange extract, turbinado sugar for rolling

directions

this recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract. If using, add a small amount of orange extract for stronger flavor.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Stir in the chopped chocolate or chips.
5. Shape the dough into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
9. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Dip in chocolate: After baking, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
• Add nuts: Stir in finely chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Use different citrus: Try lemon or lime zest for a different twist.
• Add texture: Roll the dough log in turbinado sugar before slicing for a sparkly edge.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze the dough log and slice before baking.
No reheating needed—these cookies are best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice instead of zest?

Zest is preferred for stronger flavor without extra moisture. Juice can make the dough too soft.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps firm the dough for clean slicing and prevents spreading in the oven.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, but dark or semi-sweet balances the sweetness of the shortbread better.

How thin should I slice the cookies?

About ¼ inch thick is ideal—too thin and they may burn, too thick and they may not crisp properly.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I bake these without shaping into a log?

You can also press the dough into a pan and cut into squares after baking (shortbread bar style).

Are these cookies sweet or more savory?

They’re lightly sweet with buttery richness and a touch of bright citrus.

Can I make them vegan?

Use vegan butter and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.

What’s the best type of chocolate to use?

Use a quality chocolate bar chopped into chunks or good semi-sweet chips for best results.

Why are my cookies crumbly?

Shortbread is naturally crumbly but should hold together. Be sure to cream the butter well and measure flour accurately.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful, refined treat that brings together citrus brightness and rich chocolate in a buttery, tender cookie. Whether for holiday trays, homemade gifts, or a cozy tea-time snack, these cookies are simple to make and impossible to resist. Try them once, and they’ll become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection.

Print