Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both delightful and unique, then this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is just the treat for you! These cookies bring together the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange with the rich, deep flavors of dark chocolate. The combination is simply irresistible! Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight snack or preparing goodies for a family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Plus, the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm cookies in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavor combo—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill the dough overnight for an even richer flavor before baking.
• Perfectly chewy and gooey: These cookies have the ideal texture with chunks of chocolate melting in every bite.
• Great for sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends or neighbors; they’ll love you for it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Let’s gather what you need for these delicious Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 6 oz Orange Dark Chocolate bar (chopped)
• sea salt (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your taste! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chunks instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
• Incorporate spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookies.
• Make them mini: Use a small cookie scoop to create bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing your unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it gently for about 30-45 seconds until it’s almost completely melted but still has some soft pieces left. This step helps create that lovely chewy texture we all crave in cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for one minute. Adding orange zest and vanilla extract will infuse your dough with wonderful flavors! Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until everything is nice and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Lower your mixer speed to add in the dry ingredients gradually. This helps prevent flour from flying everywhere! Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, fold in those delicious chopped pieces of dark chocolate with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough for at least two hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully and improves texture when baked.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats so that those scrumptious cookies don’t stick!

Step 7: Scoop & Bake

Using a standard-size cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), form balls of dough and place them on your prepared sheets—leave at least two inches space between each ball. If you like an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top!

Step 8: Bake & Cool

Pop them into the oven for about 11-13 minutes until they’re golden around the edges. After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the pan for about three to four minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! Freshly baked Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies that are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies can be a delightful adventure, and with a few handy tips, you can make your Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies even more scrumptious!

• Use fresh orange zest: Freshly grated orange zest gives your cookies a vibrant flavor that dried zest simply can’t match. It enhances the citrus notes, making each bite feel like a burst of sunshine.

• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least two hours (or overnight) prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This helps maintain their chewy texture and keeps those delicious chocolate chunks intact.

• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, ensuring a perfectly chewy interior.

• Experiment with chocolate types: While dark chocolate is fabulous, try using semi-sweet or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Each type will lend its unique flavor profile to your cookies!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to absorb moisture and help maintain that soft texture.

How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Presenting your cookies beautifully can make them even more enticing! Here are some fun ideas to serve these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Zest garnish: Grate some additional orange zest over the warm cookies just before serving. This adds an extra pop of color and citrus aroma that will impress your guests.

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. This adds a decorative touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of your cookies. Consider using berries, oranges, and apples for a colorful presentation.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—a classic combination everyone loves!

• Herbal tea: Offer a selection of herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint. The warmth and subtle flavors of tea pair wonderfully with the richness of dark chocolate.

• Milk or plant-based milk: A classic glass of milk (or almond/coconut milk) is perfect for dipping! It balances out the sweetness and adds a nostalgic touch to your cookie experience.

Enjoy making and sharing these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies; they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and keep it ready to bake when you’re craving something sweet. Here’s how to store them properly for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer storage, place cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in a container.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To freeze baked cookies, ensure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

• Reheat frozen cookies directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• For dough balls, bake from frozen for an extra minute or two as needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe that may help you out!

Can I use other types of chocolate in the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate creates a rich flavor, you can substitute with semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

How do I ensure my Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they’re just golden around the edges and let them finish cooking on the pan.

What makes this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe special?

The combination of fresh orange zest with dark chocolate creates a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a delightful twist on classic cookies!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it super convenient for last-minute snacks!

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies! Their bright citrus notes paired with rich chocolate make them a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or simply indulging yourself, they’re bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!