Name: Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups 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 cups brown sugar (packed); 1 tbsp orange zest; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 6 oz Orange Dark Chocolate bar (chopped, e.g., Lindt, Theo, Chocolove); Sea salt (for garnish)

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon kosher sea salt

1 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

6 ounces orange dark chocolate bar, chopped (such as Lindt, Theo, or Chocolove)

Sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds on full strength until it is almost completely melted but still has a few soft pieces remaining.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt.

Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, beating for another minute. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, beating until just combined and a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in the chopped orange dark chocolate along with any shavings left on your cutting board using a spatula. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats and set aside.

Step 6: Use a standard-size cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to form dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if desired.

Step 7: Bake for 11-13 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Remove when the edges turn golden brown. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra citrus flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.

Feel free to substitute the orange dark chocolate with regular dark chocolate and add a teaspoon of orange zest for a lighter citrus note.

Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavors and helps control spreading for thicker cookies.

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies just before baking for a delicious contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of orange dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute regular dark chocolate if orange-flavored chocolate isn’t available. Adding extra orange zest or a bit of orange extract can help maintain the citrus flavor.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is recommended because it firms up the butter, controls cookie spread, and improves flavor development. However, if you’re short on time, you can bake immediately but expect thinner cookies.