Indulge your senses with a delightful twist on the classic cookie! These Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies are not just your ordinary treat; they are a symphony of rich chocolate and zesty orange that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with the vibrant flavor of fresh orange zest, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to elevate your cookie game to new heights. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh orange zest and high-quality chocolate chips. The freshness of the zest will enhance the citrusy aroma of your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape and enhance the flavors even more.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to 5 days at room temperature, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
