Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are an elegant upgrade to traditional shortbread. They combine a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture with fragrant orange zest and a crisp chocolate coating that adds both flavor and visual appeal. The result is a cookie that feels refined yet comforting, perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or gifting.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its balance. The orange zest lifts the richness of the butter, while the chocolate adds depth without overwhelming the delicate shortbread. I tested these cookies with both dark and semi-sweet chocolate, and each offered a slightly different character. They are simple to prepare, hold their shape beautifully, and store well, making them reliable for both everyday baking and special occasions.
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Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies with a Classic Citrus Finish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery orange-infused shortbread cookies dipped in rich chocolate, combining bright citrus flavor with smooth chocolate for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and smooth.
- Mix in orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet, and gently flatten.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and place on parchment.
- Let chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake; shortbread should remain pale.
- White chocolate may be used for variation.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure of the cookies while maintaining the tender, crumbly texture shortbread is known for.
Unsalted butter
Butter is the foundation of shortbread, delivering richness and a smooth, delicate crumb.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar blends easily into the dough, creating a fine texture and subtle sweetness.
Orange zest
Fresh orange zest adds bright citrus aroma and flavor without adding extra moisture.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavors and softens the sharpness of the citrus.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the butter and balances the sweetness.
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
Chocolate is used for dipping, adding a crisp coating that contrasts with the soft cookie.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 170°C and line two baking trays with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth but not airy. Add the orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until evenly incorporated.
Gradually add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to preserve the tender texture. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to an even thickness. Cut into desired shapes and arrange on the prepared trays, spacing slightly apart.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cookies are set and the edges are just beginning to turn pale golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, melt the chocolate gently over a water bath or in short microwave intervals. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cookies back onto parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set fully before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 to 24 cookies.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 18 minutes, and cooling plus dipping time is 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They do not require reheating. For best texture, allow chilled cookies to return to room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are easy to customize while keeping their elegant profile. You can substitute lemon zest for orange for a sharper citrus note, or use a blend of both for complexity. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter finish, while dark chocolate offers a more balanced contrast.
For extra texture, finely chopped nuts can be sprinkled over the chocolate before it sets. You may also drizzle chocolate instead of dipping for a lighter coating. If you enjoy spiced flavors, a small pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough pairs beautifully with orange.
These cookies can also be shaped into logs, sliced, and baked for a simpler presentation. No matter the variation, the buttery crumb and citrus aroma remain the highlight.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These cookies are a classic butter-based treat. They can be adapted with gluten-free flour blends, though texture may vary slightly. Due to their richness, they are best enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Butter consistency
Use softened butter, not melted, to achieve proper shortbread texture.
Zest quality
Use fresh, finely grated zest to avoid bitterness.
Chocolate setting
Allow dipped cookies to set fully before stacking or storing.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to two days.
Can I freeze shortbread cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to two months.
Why are my cookies spreading?
The dough may be too warm or overmixed.
Can I use orange extract?
Yes, but zest provides a more natural flavor.
What chocolate is best for dipping?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly, but it may affect texture.
Should I chill the dough?
Chilling is helpful if the dough feels soft.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 5 to 7 mm for even baking.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, they store and transport very well.
Can I drizzle instead of dip?
Yes, drizzling is a lighter alternative.
Conclusion
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are a refined, dependable bake that blends buttery richness with bright citrus and smooth chocolate. Simple to prepare yet elegant to serve, they are perfect for celebrations, gifts, or everyday enjoyment. This recipe offers classic flavors with a polished finish that never goes out of style.
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