Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic favorite that will tantalize your taste buds and brighten your day. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie that perfectly balances the rich, velvety chocolate with the zesty brightness of fresh orange. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a burst of citrusy flavor that elevates the traditional chocolate chip cookie to new heights.

Originating from the beloved chocolate chip cookie, which has been a staple in American households since the 1930s, the addition of orange adds a unique flair that many people adore. The combination of flavors is not just a treat for the palate; it also evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. People love these Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies for their delightful texture—crispy on the edges and soft in the center—as well as their convenience, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Join me in exploring this delicious recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preparing the Dough

1. First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
2. Next, I grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
3. In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. I mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, making the cookies tender.
4. Once the butter and sugars are well combined, I add in the vanilla extract and the egg. I mix until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage to keep the cookies tender.
5. Now, I add the orange zest to the wet mixture. The zest is what gives these cookies their delightful citrus flavor, so I make sure to mix it in well.
6. Next, I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I do this in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. This helps to prevent flour from flying everywhere and ensures a smooth dough.
7. Once the dough is mixed, I fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll also add the white chocolate chips and chopped nuts. The combination of chocolate and orange is simply divine!

Chilling the Dough

1. After the dough is ready, I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the butter, which results in thicker cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.

Baking the Cookies

1. Once the dough has chilled, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, I drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.
3. I pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
4. Once baked, I take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing the Cookies

1. After the cookies have cooled completely, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for about a week, but I can guarantee they won’t last that long!
2. If I want to keep them longer, I can freeze the cookies. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Serving Suggestions

1. These Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect on their own, but I love to serve

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking game. The delightful combination of zesty orange and rich chocolate creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering. I highly recommend serving these cookies warm, straight from the oven, with a glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite tea. For a fun twist, you can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark, white, or even mint-flavored, to suit your taste. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delicious Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your creations. Let’s spread the love for these cookies together! Happy baking! Print

   Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

   

   Print Recipe

   Enjoy the perfect blend of citrus and chocolate with these soft and chewy Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies. Bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
   • Total Time: 40-42 minutes
   • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
   • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
   • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
   • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
   4. Add the vanilla extract and the egg to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
   5. Stir in the orange zest until well incorporated.
   6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined.
   7. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if desired, the white chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
   8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
   9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   10. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   11. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   13. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
   14. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

   Notes

   • For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a bit more orange zest.
   • Feel free to mix and match the types of chocolate chips or nuts based on your preference.