Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread

There’s something truly special about homemade cookies. They not only fill your kitchen with delightful aromas but also bring a touch of warmth to your home. Today, I want to share a unique twist on a classic shortbread recipe that perfectly blends the zestiness of orange with the rich indulgence of chocolate. This Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe is not just easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients:

• 1½ sticks of unsalted butter, softened – This is your base for a creamy, buttery texture.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for your cookies.
• ½ cup sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness.
• 5 tsp orange zest (approx. zest from 2 large oranges) – The star ingredient that gives these cookies a fresh, citrusy lift.
• ⅛ tsp salt – A pinch to balance the flavors.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Complements the orange zest with a hint of vanilla.
• ¼ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips – For those little bursts of chocolatey goodness.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: Start by combining the flour and salt in a small bowl. Once mixed, set it aside. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the overall flavor balance of your cookies.
2. Zest and Sugar Combination: In a mixer bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Using the back of a spoon, mash them together until the sugar becomes moist and fragrant. This technique helps to release the oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with a vibrant orange flavor.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: To the zesty sugar, add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix these on low speed for about a minute, just until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
4. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually introduce the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix as that can make the cookies tough.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently. They add a lovely texture and chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the orange zest.
6. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a flat disc and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the fat in the cookies, which minimizes spreading during baking and helps concentrate the flavors.
7. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling, roll out the dough to a ½ inch thickness and use a 2-inch cutter to shape the cookies.
8. Final Chill Before Baking: Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet and freeze them for 10 minutes. This extra chilling step further prevents spreading.
9. Baking: Bake the cookies for 25-28 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. The edges might just start to catch a little color, but the middle should remain soft.
10. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to let them set properly.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size:

Each cookie provides approximately 150 kcal. This recipe yields about 16 delightful cookies.

Conclusion:

This Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe is a fantastic way to blend classic flavors with a twist, perfect for tea time or as a treat for any occasion. The citrusy notes from the orange zest paired with the deep chocolate chips make these cookies a memorable treat for everyone who tries them. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy indulging in these scrumptious homemade cookies!

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