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Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

These Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery, zesty, and dipped in rich chocolate, making them perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe yields about 24 cookies, each bursting with citrusy goodness and chocolatey decadence.
Whether for gifting, entertaining, or personal treats, these cookies are a guaranteed hit!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Scottish
Servings 24 Cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the chocolate drizzle/dip:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter optional, for smoother melting

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Chill the Dough

  • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Shape and Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
  • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Add the Chocolate

  • Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Add coconut oil for a shinier finish if desired.
  • Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops with a spoon.
  • Place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Notes

Ingredient Tips:
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor—dark chocolate pairs exceptionally well with the orange zest.
  • Fresh oranges are a must for vibrant, natural citrus flavor.
Keyword Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies