Imagine biting into a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that perfectly balances the rich depth of chocolate with the bright, zesty punch of orange. These aren't just any cookies - they're a gourmet experience that transforms the classic British shortbread into a decadent treat that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest to the butter mixture, mixing until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Roll the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, or slice into rectangular shortbread pieces.
- Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the cookies are chilling.
- Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can drizzle with melted dark chocolate or dust with additional powdered sugar for extra decoration.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your shortbread tender and crumbly.
- Chill for Perfection: The 15-minute refrigeration before baking helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
- Get Creative with Decoration: Try drizzling with melted dark chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar for an extra elegant touch.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their delicate texture.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor - avoid the bitter white pith underneath the orange skin.
- Precision Baking: Watch your cookies closely in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 78kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg