Chocolate orange shortbread

Name: Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 175 grams butter; 90 grams caster sugar; 150 grams flour; 50 grams cornflour; Zest of 1 orange; 75 grams chocolate chips

Published: December 22, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and buttery, creating a satisfying bite.
Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of chocolate and orange zest offers a unique twist on classic shortbread.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
Versatile for occasions: Whether for a casual snack or festive gatherings, these biscuits fit right in.
Freezable goodness: Make a large batch and freeze some for later—perfect for unexpected guests!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring scales
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
Baking sheet: A flat baking sheet ensures even baking, preventing unevenly cooked biscuits.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the cookies after baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

175 grams butter
90 grams caster sugar
150 grams flour
50 grams cornflour
1 orange zest
75 grams chocolate chips

How to Make Chocolate orange shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar. Use a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually sift in the flour, cornflour, and add the orange zest. Mix until combined but be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Biscuits

Take small chunks of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let the chocolate orange shortbread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their delicate texture.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful biscuits!

How to Serve Chocolate orange shortbread

Chocolate orange shortbread biscuits are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging at home, these cookies will elevate any occasion.

With Tea or Coffee

Pair with a warm cup of tea for a classic afternoon treat.
Enjoy alongside coffee for a cozy breakfast option.

As a Dessert Platter

Arrange on a dessert platter with fruits and other sweets for visual appeal.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Gift Packaging

Package in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
Add a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe card.

At Parties

Include in snack tables during parties for a tasty bite-sized option.
Offer as part of a cookie buffet where guests can choose their favorites.

After Dinner Treat

Serve as a post-dinner treat with cheese and fresh fruit.
Pair with dessert wine for an elegant conclusion to your meal.

How to Perfect Chocolate orange shortbread

To achieve the best chocolate orange shortbread, keep these tips in mind. They will help enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Use room temperature butter: This makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar together, leading to lighter biscuits.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to maintain the delicate texture of the shortbread.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate before baking to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cornflour ensures an even mixture without lumps, resulting in smooth cookies.
Experiment with chocolate types: Try dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to discover your preferred flavor combination.
Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your biscuits; they should be lightly golden but not too brown.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate orange shortbread

Chocolate orange shortbread pairs beautifully with several side dishes, enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the biscuits.
Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses complements the rich flavors of chocolate and orange perfectly.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a balanced breakfast or snack that pairs well with shortbread.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful mix of textures and temperatures when served together.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies, making it a refreshing side dish.
Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides crunchiness that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of chocolate orange shortbread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate orange shortbread biscuits can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the final product. Here are a few to watch for:

Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using the wrong amounts can lead to a poor texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and maintains shape during baking. Don’t skip this important step.
Using unsalted butter – Salted butter can alter the flavor of your cookies. Stick with unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.
Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make your shortbread tough. Mix just until combined for a tender biscuit.
Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different; always preheat and check with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store chocolate orange shortbread in an airtight container.
They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate orange shortbread

Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating Chocolate orange shortbread

Oven – Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re just heated through.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become tough.
Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chocolate orange shortbread biscuits:

How do I make chocolate orange shortbread?

To make chocolate orange shortbread, cream butter and sugar, mix in dry ingredients along with orange zest and chocolate chips, then shape and bake!

Can I substitute ingredients in chocolate orange shortbread?

Yes! You can use alternative flours or sweeteners according to your dietary needs, but be mindful of how these changes may affect texture.

How long do chocolate orange shortbread biscuits last?

When stored properly, chocolate orange shortbread biscuits can last up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

What are some variations of chocolate orange shortbread?

Consider adding nuts like pecans or replacing chocolate chips with dried fruit for unique flavors while keeping the essence of this delightful treat.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate orange shortbread biscuits offer a delicious blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for any occasion or just as an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize them by experimenting with different types of chocolate or adding nuts. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!

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