Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies, a perfect blend of zesty citrus and rich dark chocolate. Soft and chewy with a hint of sea salt on top, these cookies offer an irresistible balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for any cookie lover looking for a gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups 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 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Chocolate
- 6 oz Orange Dark Chocolate bar (chopped, e.g., Lindt, Theo, Chocolove)
Garnish
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds at full strength or until it is almost completely melted but still has a few soft pieces left for better texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars for 1 minute. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for another minute. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms, then fold in the chopped orange dark chocolate with a spatula. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Form Cookies: Use a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion the dough evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each to allow spreading. Sprinkle the tops lightly with sea salt if desired to enhance flavor complexity.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring perfect chewiness and crunch on the edges.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight intensifies flavors and improves cookie texture.
- Using high-quality orange dark chocolate bars like Lindt or Chocolove enhances the richness and citrus notes.
- The addition of sea salt on top balances the sweetness and enriches the overall flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For softer cookies, shorten baking time; for crispier edges, bake toward the upper limit of time range.
Keywords: orange dark chocolate cookies, orange chocolate chunk cookies, dark chocolate cookies, citrus cookies, gourmet cookies, chocolate chip cookie recipe
