Dark Chocolate Orange Shortbread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
02 -
1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional substitution: orange extract for additional citrus flavor)
05 -
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 -
1 cup dark chocolate chips
07 -
2 teaspoons fresh orange zest, plus more for garnish
→ Finishing
08 -
1 egg, for egg wash
09 -
1-2 cups turbinado sugar, for rolling the dough
# Instructions:
01 -
Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
02 -
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour to the creamed mixture until fully combined.
03 -
Add the dark chocolate chips and fresh orange zest to the dough. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
04 -
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion onto plastic wrap and shape into a circular log. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap.
05 -
Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
06 -
Approximately 10 minutes before the dough is finished chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
07 -
Remove one log of dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Brush it lightly with egg wash, then roll it in turbinado sugar until evenly coated.
08 -
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds, each 1/2 inch thick. Ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
09 -
Arrange the slices on a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in batches for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just slightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
10 -
Sprinkle the cooled cookies with additional orange zest and flaky sea salt. If desired, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for added flavor.
11 -
Repeat the rolling, slicing, and baking process with the remaining dough log. Enjoy the cookies!
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly round cookies, use a circular object like a mug or biscuit cutter to shape the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven while still warm.