Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Chocolate orange shortbread is buttery, tender, and filled with bright citrus flavor, then finished with rich chocolate for the perfect balance of sweet and indulgent. These cookies melt in your mouth and feel just a little fancy, while still being incredibly easy to make at home.
If you love the combination of chocolate and orange, this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, afternoon coffee, or when you want a shortbread cookie with a little extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture
- Bright orange flavor paired with rich chocolate
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Perfect for holidays, cookie trays, and gifting
- Can be shaped into rounds, bars, or squares
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange extract or vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Topping
- 6–8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted
How to Make Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the orange zest and orange extract.
Add the flour and salt and mix just until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten into round cookies, or roll the dough out and cut into shapes or squares if preferred.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops. Place cookies on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set completely.
Jennie’s Thoughts
Chocolate and orange is one of those flavor combinations that always feels special. I love how the citrus brightens up the buttery shortbread and how the chocolate adds just the right amount of richness. These cookies are especially great during the holidays, but honestly, they’re just as good any time of year with a cup of coffee or tea.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for 24 hours
Chocolate orange shortbread is a classic cookie with a flavorful twist. Simple, elegant, and full of rich citrus flavor, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again — especially when you want something a little different from traditional shortbread.
More Shortbread & Cookie Recipes
If you love buttery cookies like this chocolate orange shortbread, be sure to explore more of our favorite homemade cookies on the Desserts page. You’ll find classic shortbread recipes, chocolate-dipped cookies, holiday favorites, and easy treats perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or everyday baking.
