If you love the delightful combination of citrus and chocolate in a buttery treat, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe. It brings together the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with rich, melty chocolate chips baked into a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. Each bite feels like a cozy hug, perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with friends. The balance of sweet, buttery, and tangy flavors makes this recipe a true showstopper in the world of biscuits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s lending crumbly texture, that vibrant flavor, or just the right amount of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Butter (175 grams): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these shortbreads melt in your mouth.
- Caster sugar (90 grams): Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the orange zest.
- Flour (150 grams): The foundation for structure and that classic shortbread crumbly texture.
- Cornflour (50 grams): Helps keep the biscuits tender and gives them that delicate crumb.
- Zest of 1 orange: Infuses a burst of citrus aroma and brightness, elevating the flavor.
- Chocolate chips (75 grams): Little pockets of chocolatey goodness dot the shortbread for an irresistible twist.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s nice and hot when the dough is ready. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your shortbread a lovely light texture that isn’t too dense.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Zest
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, and orange zest. Gradually add this aromatic mixture into the butter and sugar blend, folding gently to keep the dough tender yet cohesive.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part—gently folding in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout your dough, ensuring every bite boasts that delightful chocolaty surprise.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut Your Shortbread
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1 cm thick. Use cookie cutters for charming shapes or simply cut into rectangles for a rustic home-baked look.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your cut shapes onto the prepared baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This signals that your shortbread is perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the biscuits cool on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them firm up just right, allowing the chocolate chips to set beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
To jazz up your Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe, sprinkle a little extra grated orange zest on top after baking or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for some elegant flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This shortbread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a special treat, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the zesty citrus.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your shortbreads in a pretty tin or on a platter lined with orange slices for a vibrant, inviting presentation. They also make charming gifts—wrap a few in parchment paper tied with twine for a heartfelt homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, ready whenever you crave that perfect sweet bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later or make a batch ahead, the raw dough freezes beautifully. Simply shape and cut your cookies, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, gently warm your shortbread in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. This brings back that just-baked aroma and gives the chocolate chips a slight melt that’s hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chopped dark, milk, or even white chocolate bars work wonderfully. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the size of traditional chips for even distribution.
Is it necessary to use cornflour in the recipe?
Cornflour is key for achieving that tender, crumbly shortbread texture. Without it, your biscuits may turn out a bit denser and less delicate.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter’s flavor and texture are essential here, but margarine can work in a pinch. Oils aren’t recommended as they alter the shortbread’s consistency and flavor significantly.
How do I know when the shortbread is done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a firm surface. The shortbread will feel firm to the touch but still tender inside—avoid overbaking to keep that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, but keep the cornflour to maintain tenderness. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of chocolate and orange in a classic shortbread that feels both indulgent and comforting. This Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved favorite, perfect for any occasion or just a sweet moment to yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every buttery, zesty bite as much as I do!
Print
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Biscuit
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
A delightful recipe for Chocolate Orange Shortbread biscuits combining the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with zesty orange flavor and sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly crisp and tender, these biscuits are ideal for teatime or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 175 grams butter
- 90 grams caster sugar
- 150 grams flour
- 50 grams cornflour
- Zest of 1 orange
- 75 grams chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture in the biscuits.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornflour, and orange zest thoroughly to evenly distribute the orange flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending carefully to form a soft dough without overmixing, which can toughen the biscuits.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly dispersed, ensuring each biscuit will have a pleasant burst of chocolate.
- Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to approximately 1 cm thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes for the biscuits.
- Bake: Arrange the cut biscuits on the prepared baking tray spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool: Remove the biscuits from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This allows them to firm up slightly and develop their full flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overbake; shortbread should remain pale and tender with just a slight golden edge.
- For extra orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange juice or a touch of orange extract to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness for up to one week.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor.
