If you have a craving for cookies that bring a bright burst of citrus flavor paired with rich, melting chocolate, then this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These cookies deliver just the right balance of zesty orange and bittersweet chocolate in every chewy, golden bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels both indulgent and refreshingly different, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy afternoon. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s one of those special desserts that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy when baking these cookies. Each item plays a key role, from the tender, buttery texture to the zingy orange aroma and decadent chocolate chunks that practically melt on your tongue. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cookie magic to life:
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda: This helps your cookies rise just perfectly for that ideal texture.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Adds tenderness to keep cookies soft and slightly crumbly.
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt: Enhances the flavors while balancing sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creamy richness that makes each bite luscious.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies brown wonderfully.
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a warm, caramel-like depth.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: The star ingredient for that fresh, lively citrus punch.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that ties everything together.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- 6 oz dark chocolate bar (chopped): Big, gooey chunks that add bittersweet decadence.
- Sea salt (for garnish): A sprinkle over the top creates a gourmet finish and heightens flavor.
How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies slide off easily after baking. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt. This careful mixing creates a well-balanced dry base that will help your cookies rise beautifully and stay tender.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, which makes for a lighter texture once baked.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Zest, Vanilla, and Eggs
Next, stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract, pressing them into the butter-sugar mixture to release their vibrant aromas. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. These ingredients will create the cookie’s rich and complex flavor profile, balancing sweet, citrus, and chocolate notes beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Fold in Chocolate
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so gentle folding is key. Finally, fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks, ensuring each bite will have gooey, satisfying bits of chocolate waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step helps the flavors meld together and firms up the dough, making it easier to shape. Taking this extra time leads to cookies that spread evenly and develop those lovely chewy edges everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls and place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheets. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown but the centers still look soft. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a gourmet touch, then let the cookies cool on the baking sheets. The cooling process allows them to set perfectly before you dig in.
How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking takes these cookies from wonderful to extraordinary by enhancing both the chocolate’s richness and the bright orange notes. For a playful twist, you can also zest a little extra orange on top before serving to boost that citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a chilled glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a fragrant black tea. For an adult-friendly combo, serve alongside a slightly sweet dessert wine or a rich hot chocolate to complement the bittersweet chocolate and citrus flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a pretty plate and dusting them with powdered sugar for a festive look. They also make charming gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with an orange ribbon, or you could serve them alongside a bowl of whipped cream flavored with a hint of orange liqueur for a dessert platter that’s sure to impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them a great treat to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months and are perfect to have on hand for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven for a few minutes. This will refresh their softness and bring back that just-baked warmth, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute orange zest with orange extract?
While orange zest provides a fresh, natural citrus flavor with some texture, using orange extract can work in a pinch. Just reduce the amount to a teaspoon or less, since extracts are more concentrated, to avoid overpowering the dough.
What type of dark chocolate is best for this recipe?
Choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar with around 60-70% cocoa content for a nice balance of bitterness and sweetness. Avoid chips as they often contain stabilizers that melt differently, while chopped bars create those luscious gooey pockets you want.
Is chilling the dough really necessary?
Chilling the dough improves the cookie’s texture and flavor development. It firms up the dough so cookies don’t spread too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with more intense taste. If pressed for time, a minimum of one hour will still help.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be aware that texture may vary slightly, but with good gluten-free flour, you’ll still get delicious Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or use a darker chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage to balance sweetness. Adding a pinch more sea salt on top also helps enhance flavors while taming the sugar’s intensity.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. The harmony of citrus and chocolate is something truly special, turning a simple cookie into a memorable treat. I hope you take some time to try this recipe and share these lovely cookies with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with rich chunks of dark chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for those who appreciate the balance of citrus and bittersweet chocolate flavors in every bite, these cookies are ideal for snack time or dessert.
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
- 6 oz dark chocolate bar (chopped)
Garnish
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt until well combined to distribute the leavening agents uniformly through the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavorings and Eggs: Incorporate the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Dark Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold chopped dark chocolate chunks into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of rich chocolate in every bite.
- Chill Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, which helps to develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Form Cookies: Once chilled, form dough balls of desired size and place them spaced apart on prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while still warm for a finishing touch that enhances flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and preventing cookies from spreading too much.
- Use a sharp knife to chop the dark chocolate bar into chunks for better texture in the cookies.
- For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze dough balls for future baking.
- If you prefer softer cookies, remove them from the oven just as the edges turn golden and centers still look slightly underbaked.
