Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the bright taste of citrus with the rich flavor of chocolate, this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are a fantastic way to elevate your dessert game, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day. The aroma of fresh orange and melting chocolate wafting from your oven will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug.

This recipe is special to me because it brings together two of my favorite flavors in a fun and easy-to-make cookie. With their chewy texture and bursts of zesty orange, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—busy weeknights, festive celebrations, or even cozy evenings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies—they’re sure to be a hit!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can chill the dough ahead of time, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange zest and dark chocolate provides an irresistible balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies come together with some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to whip up 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, Lindt, Theo, Chocolove etc.)
• sea salt (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Try Different Zests: Experiment with lemon or lime zest for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead.
• Add Dried Fruit: Incorporate some dried cranberries or cherries for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about 30-45 seconds until it’s almost completely melted but still has some soft pieces left. This step is crucial as it helps create a wonderfully chewy texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and helps achieve that perfect cookie rise!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the melted butter with both sugars on medium speed for one minute. Then add in the orange zest and vanilla extract, beating for another minute. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is important as it allows each egg to fully integrate into the dough before adding more ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn the mixer speed down to low and gradually add in your dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate using a spatula—this is where those lovely chunks come from!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. Chilling helps develop flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 8: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using a standard-size cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), form balls of cookie dough and place them on your prepared sheets—leave plenty of space between them! If desired, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking; this adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Step 9: Bake & Cool

Bake your cookies for 11-13 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done. Let them cool on the pan for about 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few handy tips, your Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies will turn out even better!

• Use fresh orange zest: Freshly grated orange zest packs a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options. This ensures that the citrus notes shine through in every bite.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 2 hours (or overnight) helps to deepen flavors and solidify the fats, leading to a chewy texture and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Rotate your baking sheet: Ovens can have hot spots, so rotating your baking sheet halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning, giving you perfectly baked cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender and soft. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in denser cookies than desired.

• Experiment with chocolate types: While dark chocolate is fantastic, feel free to mix in some semi-sweet or even milk chocolate chunks for a fun twist on flavor. It adds complexity and caters to different taste preferences.

How to Serve Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Presenting your cookies beautifully can enhance their appeal! Here are some fun ideas for serving these delectable treats.

Garnishes

• Sea salt sprinkle: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking elevates the flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that adds both visual appeal and extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh fruit platter: Slices of fresh oranges or berries provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Herbal tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea complements the citrus notes in the cookies while providing a calming experience.
• Milk or plant-based milk: Classic pairing! A glass of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) is perfect for dunking those chewy cookies and enhances their deliciousness.

With these tips, garnishes, and side suggestions, your Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or just as a sweet treat at home! Enjoy every crumb!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance, chill it, and enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you want. Here’s how to store and manage your cookie delights:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week.
• To maintain their soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• If freezing baked cookies, ensure they’re completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

• For frozen cookie dough: Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• For baked cookies: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What makes the Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe special?

The combination of zesty orange and rich dark chocolate creates a unique flavor profile that elevates traditional cookies. The brightness of orange complements the deep notes of chocolate beautifully!

Can I use different types of chocolate in this Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate adds richness, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate chunks for a different twist on this delightful recipe.

How long will my Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for about 5 days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I make Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!

What is the best way to enjoy these cookies?

These cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make great gifts or treats for gatherings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies! Their unique blend of flavors is sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, they promise to be a treat worth savoring. Happy baking, and don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts!