Discover the Delight of Chocolate-Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Chocolate-dipped orange shortbread cookies are a treat for the taste buds. The combination of buttery shortbread and zesty orange makes these cookies special. When you add a coat of rich chocolate, you get a sweet and tangy snack perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, and everyone will love them. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon tea, these cookies stand out!
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange (use a vegetable peeler to get just the orange part, leaving behind the bitter white pith)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract (optional; vanilla can be a substitute)
- 8 ounces dark or semi-sweet bar chocolate, chopped into small pieces
Directions:
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Make the Orange Sugar: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it’s fragrant. This adds a lovely citrus flavor to your cookies.
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Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and the orange sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add the salt and orange extract (if using) and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until everything is just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
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Shape Your Cookies: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or until firm.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Dip in Chocolate: After the cookies have cooled, melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper to set. You can also sprinkle some extra orange zest on top of the chocolate for added flair.
How to Serve Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them alongside tea, coffee, or a warm glass of milk. They make a lovely dessert after dinner or a sweet addition to a dessert platter at parties.
How to Store Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before dipping in chocolate. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make the Perfect Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types or flavors to personalize the cookies even more.
Variations to Try
For a fun twist, you can substitute the orange zest with lemon or lime zest. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough for a different texture.
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients used. As a general guideline, each cookie contains about 150 calories, depending on the chocolate and portion sizes.
Serving Ideas for Family
Serve these cookies with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing touch that pairs well with the rich flavors of the cookies.
Pairing Suggestions
These delightful cookies go wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of tea. You can also enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you might want to skip adding extra salt to the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough before slicing. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
You can skip the extract or substitute it with vanilla extract. The cookies will still taste delicious!
Enjoy making and sharing these chocolate-dipped orange shortbread cookies! They are a sweet treat that everyone will adore.
Chocolate-Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
For the Orange Sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar For mixing with orange zest
- Zest of 1 orange orange Use a vegetable peeler to avoid the bitter white pith
For the Cookie Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Main dry ingredient
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for better mixing
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract Optional; vanilla can be used as a substitute
For the Chocolate Dip
- 8 ounces dark or semi-sweet bar chocolate, chopped Used for dipping the cookies
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it’s fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and the orange sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the salt and orange extract (if using) and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until everything is just combined.
- Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
Chocolate Dipping
- Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set.
- Optional: sprinkle some extra orange zest on top of the chocolate.
