Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies
Try this Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies recipe
Try this Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup (133g) packed light or dark brown sugar (i prefer
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (266g) all-purpose flourâ (spoon an
- zest from 1 medium navel sunkist orange (plus more
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice from 1 medium navel sunkist or
- optional: 1/2 cup (63g) diamond of california chop
- optional:â coarse sugar for rolling (i use sugar in
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate coarsely chopped
- sea salt for sprinkling on top
- Carbohydrate 0.964285833333333 g
- Cholesterol 93.06 mg
- Fat 2.19639166666667 g
- Fiber 0.34735832341512 g
- Protein 2.7957075 g
- Saturated Fat 0.684314166666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen cookie (138g)
- Sodium 31.0576666666667 mg
- Sugar 0.616927509918213 g
- Trans Fat 0.371284166666666 g
- Calories 39 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar and beat on medium high speed until fluffy and creamy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, and continue to beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, and salt together until combined.
- On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Switch to high speed and beat in the zest, fresh orange juice, and walnuts (if using).
- Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and, with floured hands, divide into two. Shape each half into an 8-inch log, about 2.5 inches in diameter. The measurements don't have to be exact.
- Tightly wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 5 days. Chilling is mandatory for this cookie dough. I always chill mine overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.
- Remove logs from the refrigerator and roll into coarse sugar, if desired. It's added only for a little crunch!
- Slice each log into 12 equally thick cookies and place cookies on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until brown around the edges.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
- Melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or (carefully!) use the microwave. For the microwave, place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Melt in 15 second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.
- Dip each completely cooled cookie halfway into the chocolate and place onto a parchment or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and orange zest (if desired).
- Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator to help the chocolate set.
- Once set, enjoy!
- Make ahead tip: Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Baked and chocolate-dipped cookies freeze well - up to three months. Or you can freeze them without the chocolate and dip/decorate after they thaw out. Cookie dough logs freeze well too, up to three months. Allow the logs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator then continue with step 3.
My Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookie Adventure
Baking has always been my happy place, a sanctuary where I can escape the daily grind and create something delicious. Today, I want to share a recipe that's become a recent favorite: Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies. These aren't your average cookies; they're a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect blend of rich dark chocolate, zesty orange, and a satisfyingly crisp exterior. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the result is undeniably impressive. I love how these cookies look – elegant enough for a holiday gathering, yet casual enough for a cozy night in with a cup of tea.
The beauty of these slice-and-bake cookies lies in their convenience. The dough is prepared ahead of time, chilled, then sliced and baked when you need them. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends. I often make a double batch, keeping one set in the fridge for immediate baking and freezing the second set of dough logs for another day. This way, I always have a delicious dessert on standby, ready to bake and share. The chilling process is essential; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their perfect shape and texture.
The dark chocolate dipping is the finishing touch. It adds a layer of intense richness and complements the bright, citrusy orange notes beautifully. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate's flavor, creating a lovely salty-sweet contrast. I sometimes experiment with different types of chocolate, occasionally using milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist. But the dark chocolate remains my personal favorite, offering a sophisticated depth that I truly adore. The orange zest adds a vibrant aroma and a pleasant little zing, balancing out the richness of the chocolate.
These cookies are incredibly versatile. They make wonderful gifts for friends and family, or a delightful treat to enjoy with your loved ones. I've even been known to bring a batch to work for colleagues, bringing a little slice of happiness to their day. The elegant presentation makes them ideal for any occasion – from casual gatherings to more formal events. The simple elegance of the cookies themselves is something I truly appreciate.
Beyond their delicious taste and easy preparation, these cookies also offer a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The process of creating something from scratch, seeing the transformation from simple ingredients to a delicious treat, is immensely rewarding. It’s a connection to a simpler time, a feeling of creating something beautiful and delicious in my own home. Baking them isn't just about the end result; it’s about the journey and the joy of sharing something homemade with others.
So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, I highly recommend trying this recipe. The Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies are a surefire way to impress your friends, family, or yourself. They are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, crunchy and chewy, making them a delightful experience from the first bite to the last. Get ready to indulge in a little bit of cookie heaven.
Tips and Variations:
- Nut variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts instead of walnuts.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate variations: Use different types of chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for a sweeter treat.
- Citrus variations: Try using lemon or lime zest instead of orange zest for a different citrus twist.
- Drizzle it: Instead of dipping, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a more rustic look.
Enjoy the baking process and the delicious reward! Let me know what you think if you decide to give it a try!
