Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Brighten up your cookie platter with these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the fresh zing of orange with the deep richness of dark chocolate, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique blend of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Perfect Flavor Combination: The citrusy brightness of orange pairs beautifully with rich dark chocolate, creating a unique treat.
• Ideal for Sharing: With 36 cookies per batch, they’re great for parties or as gifts for friends and family.
• Versatile Treats: Enjoy them warm from the oven or store them for later; they remain delicious over time.
• Customizable Option: You can add nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist on flavor and texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some essential tools that will help you create the best Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing ingredients easy and ensures a consistent dough texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to prepare various ingredients simultaneously.
• Cookie scoop: It helps in forming uniform cookie shapes, ensuring even baking.

Ingredients

To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Chocolate Component

• 6 oz Orange Dark Chocolate bar (chopped, (Lindt, Theo, Chocolove etc.))

Garnish

• sea salt (for garnish)

How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds until it’s almost completely melted but has a few soft pieces left.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugars on medium speed for about 1 minute. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for an additional minute.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Turn down the mixing speed to low and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate gently with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up the dough.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Use a standard-size cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to form cookie dough balls. Place them on prepared sheets with at least 2 inches between each ball. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, rotating halfway through baking. Remove when edges are golden brown. Allow cooling on the sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few complementary items can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s for a gathering or a cozy night at home, here are some serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk enhances the rich flavors of chocolate and orange in the cookies.

Fresh Fruit Plate

• Serve with a plate of fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or orange sorbet works beautifully for an extra citrusy twist.

Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the chewy texture of the cookies.

Dessert Platter

• Include a variety of desserts on a platter—think brownies, mini tarts, and these cookies—to impress your guests during gatherings.

How to Perfect Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect cookie texture and flavor is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you craft the ultimate Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps develop flavors and prevents spreading while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies caused by excess flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time, ensuring all cookies bake uniformly.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with these delicious cookies can enhance your dessert table. Here are some excellent options that go well with Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
2. A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and zestiness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue
4. Create an interactive dessert experience with chocolate fondue; guests can dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate.
5. Fruit Sorbet
6. A refreshing fruit sorbet, such as lemon or raspberry, balances sweetness while offering a cool palate cleanser.
7. Cheese Platter
8. A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely; consider adding honey or fig jam for an interesting flavor contrast.
9. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
10. These sweet treats echo the chocolate theme while adding freshness from ripe strawberries.
11. Nutty Granola Bars
12. Offer crunchy granola bars with nuts and dried fruit as a wholesome side that complements sweet flavors without overpowering them.
13. Coffee Cake
14. A slice of moist coffee cake enhances the dessert experience, especially when paired with coffee or tea.
15. Mini Fruit Tarts
16. Serve mini fruit tarts filled with custard and topped with seasonal fruits for an elegant touch alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cookies can be simple, but it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 2 hours.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t incorporate well with the sugars, leading to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then fold in the chocolate chunks gently.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, and baking times can vary. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are golden brown around the edges, even if it’s before the recommended time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

Reheating Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe that might help you out!

Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate?

You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor; however, it will change the overall taste of your cookies.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will give your cookies an extra crunch and enhance their flavor.

How should I store leftover cookie dough?

Store leftover cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies bring together vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, they are sure to delight. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate!