Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional: additional orange zest or chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until fully combined. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.
Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough. - Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. - Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to form balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. - Cool and Garnish
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, garnish with additional orange zest or chocolate chips while the cookies are still warm. - Serve and Enjoy
Once completely cooled, serve your decadent chocolate orange cookies with your favorite beverage, or pack them for gifting.