Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both simple and a little special, these orange chocolate chip shortbread cookies fit the bill perfectly. Buttery, crumbly, and packed with bright orange zest, they have just the right balance of citrusy freshness and rich, melty dark chocolate. They’re the kind of treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of iced coffee on a sunny morning—or a quiet afternoon indulgence.
What I love about these cookies is how they feel elevated without being fussy. The orange zest and a touch of orange extract or blossom water give them a subtle, fragrant citrus note that cuts through the richness of the buttery shortbread. Folding in chunks of dark chocolate adds little pockets of melty sweetness that make every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies are elegant, satisfying, and impossibly easy to fall in love with.
Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies (Makes about 20 cookies)
Ingredients
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp orange blossom water (or vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp orange extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 8 oz chocolate, divided
Method
- Beat together the butter, sugars, orange zest, orange extract, and blossom water (or vanilla extract) until smooth and creamy.
- Add flour, salt, orange juice, and two-thirds of the chocolate, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Slice into ½-inch rounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Once cooled, drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate and enjoy.