Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers crisp, buttery shortbread with a bright citrus note and luxurious chocolate finish. The cookies are easy to prepare, store well, and feel perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
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Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies: Buttery Citrus Cookies with an Elegant Chocolate Finish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery orange-infused shortbread cookies dipped in rich chocolate, combining bright citrus flavor with smooth decadence for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
- Melt chocolate gently over a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate.
- Place dipped cookies on parchment and allow chocolate to set.
Notes
- Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft.
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter
Creates the rich, tender texture essential to classic shortbread.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the dough while keeping the crumb delicate.
All-purpose flour
Provides structure without making the cookies dense.
Orange zest
Adds fresh, aromatic citrus flavor throughout the dough.
Vanilla extract
Enhances the buttery and citrus notes.
Salt
Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
Forms the smooth, rich coating for dipping.
Orange extract (optional)
Intensifies the orange flavor if desired.
Directions
Begin by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and pale. Add orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until evenly incorporated. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into a log or press into a flat disc, then chill until firm. Slice or cut into desired cookie shapes and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake until the cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges. Allow them to cool completely.
Melt the chocolate gently until smooth. Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper and let the chocolate set fully before serving or storing.
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
Serves 18–22 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness. Layer with parchment paper to protect the chocolate coating. These cookies do not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Milk Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Use milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
White Chocolate Orange Cookies
Dip in white chocolate for a lighter look.
Orange Cranberry Shortbread
Add dried cranberries to the dough.
Chocolate Drizzled Version
Drizzle chocolate instead of dipping.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Swap orange zest for lemon zest.
Extra Crisp Shortbread
Bake slightly longer for a firmer bite.
Dipped Holiday Cookies
Add festive sprinkles before chocolate sets.
Gluten-Free Shortbread
Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Almond Orange Shortbread
Add almond extract for nutty depth.
Mini Tea Cookies
Cut smaller shapes for elegant tea service.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of zest?
Zest is best for concentrated flavor without added moisture.
Does the chocolate need to be tempered?
Tempering is optional but helps with shine and snap.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough logs for up to two months.
Why is my shortbread crumbly?
That is normal; shortbread has a tender crumb.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, reduce added salt slightly.
Are these cookies very sweet?
No, they are balanced and not overly sweet.
Can kids help make these cookies?
Yes, especially with dipping and decorating.
Do these cookies travel well?
Yes, they are excellent for gifting.
Can I add orange extract?
Yes, for stronger citrus flavor.
Should cookies be fully cooled before dipping?
Yes, to prevent melting the chocolate unevenly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread Cookies are a beautifully balanced treat that combines buttery richness, bright citrus flavor, and smooth chocolate indulgence. Elegant yet simple, they are perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday moments when you want something special. With their crisp texture and refined flavor, these cookies are a timeless addition to any baking collection.
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