Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I bit into the first cookie, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, transporting me back to bustling kitchens filled with laughter and warmth during the holidays. These Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a heartfelt reminder of the joy homemade baking brings. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and zesty infusion of fresh orange, these easy cookies not only elevate your holiday baking but also make for delightful gifts. The best part? You can whip them up in no time, allowing you to savor the holiday spirit without the fuss. Are you ready to create a batch that will make your home smell like a festive bakery? Why You Will Adore This Recipe? Simplicity, this recipe offers an easy bake that anyone can master—it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels! Versatile, feel free to experiment with different chocolate varieties or incorporate nuts for added flavor and texture. Uniqueness, the combination of rich dark chocolate and refreshing orange zest results in a cookie that is both classic and contemporary. Crowd-Pleasing, serve these delightful cookies at holiday gatherings, and watch them disappear off the platter! Time-saving, with the slice-and-bake method, you can prepare your dough ahead of time, making baking a breeze when unexpected guests arrive. For another delightful treat, consider trying our Pistachio Cream Chocolate or Caramel Chocolate Cookies. Baking these cookies will fill your home with the cozy scents of the season! Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies • Perfect for your holiday baking! For the Dough Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich creaminess; opt for the highest quality for best results. Confectioners’ Sugar – Creates a tender texture; it’s key for the melt-in-your-mouth experience. Orange Zest – Infuses vibrant citrus flavor; use zest from about 2-3 fresh oranges for the best taste. Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavor; fine salt works best in dough. Vanilla Extract – Provides warmth and depth; pure extract enhances the cookie’s overall profile. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the backbone of the cookie; no alternatives needed for proper texture. For the Chocolate Dip Dark Melting Wafers – Offers a decadent chocolate coating; Ghirardelli is a great choice, or use any quality dark chocolate that melts well. These Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are not only delightful to make but will also fill your home with sweet, inviting aromas! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, setting it aside for now. In a stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar, creaming them together until fluffy and light—about 3-5 minutes. Mix in the freshly grated orange zest and vanilla extract until well blended, and gradually add in the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, knead the dough briefly until it forms a ball. Step 2: Chill the Dough Roll the dough into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, ensuring it’s compact and uniform. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, although letting it sit overnight is even better. This step allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to slice later. Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Slice Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the cookies spaced evenly on a lined baking sheet, allowing room for slight spreading as they bake. The slices should look smooth and neat, ready to transform into golden treats. Step 4: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch and have a pale golden hue. Make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time; you want them to be set but not overly browned. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 5: Melt the Chocolate While the cookies cool, prepare the chocolate dip. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark melting wafers according to the package instructions. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. You will want the chocolate to be warm and fluid, perfect for dipping the cookies. Step 6: Dip and Set Once your cookies are cool, dip each one halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Set the coated cookies on a sheet of parchment paper to dry completely. The contrast of the rich dark chocolate against the bright orange flavor of the cookies will create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Storage Tips for Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness and delightful texture. Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies, but let them come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the un-dipped cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This helps preserve their quality, ensuring they remain delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them. Reheating: To refresh the cookies after refrigeration or freezing, allow them to come to room temperature, and if desired, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies: Flavorful Twists Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this recipe, blending flavors that tantalize your taste buds! Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for creamy milk chocolate for a sweeter, kid-friendly treat. Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or grapefruit, to create a fresh, vibrant flavor profile. The possibilities are endless for boosting brightness! Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a cozy, spiced twist that evokes holiday cheer. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing flavor. Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of dipping, melt chocolate and drizzle it on top of the cookies for an elegant presentation and an extra boost of sweetness. Cranberry Infusion: Toss in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast that perfectly complements the sweetness. If you’re in the mood for something else, check out our delectable Butter Toffee Chocolate cookies or indulge in our luscious White Chocolate Raspberry dessert! Your kitchen is about to be filled with joy, one recipe at a time. Make Ahead Options These Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance, ensuring you’re ready to bake anytime. Simply roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For even longer storage, you can freeze the log for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds, bake for 15-17 minutes, and dip them in melted chocolate. This handy make-ahead strategy allows you to have freshly baked cookies at your fingertips, ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. What to Serve with Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Indulging in these delightful cookies is just the beginning of an enchanting baking experience that deserves a full spread of accompaniments. Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich and velvety drink pairs perfectly, enhancing the warm citrus notes in the cookies. Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, it balances the sweetness of the cookies with vibrant flavors and textures. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the buttery cookies and adds a delightful contrast to the crispy texture. Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai mirror the zesty orange, creating a cozy combination for an afternoon treat. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Decadent yet fresh, they elevate your dessert platter, creating a beautiful and indulgent presentation. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A rich caramel drizzle can bring an extra layer of sweetness to this treat, inviting an exciting flavor twist. Peppermint Bark: Ideal for the holiday season, this chocolatey treat adds a festive flair and a delightful crunch. Nutty Biscotti: Offering a crunchy contrast, almond or hazelnut biscotti make for a delightful dunking companion. Sparkling Wine: For an elegant finish, a glass of bubbly brings sophistication, celebrating the joyous spirit of baking. Be sure to gather your loved ones and enjoy the blissful flavors that come together around these charming cookies! Expert Tips for Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to ensure your cookies have the best flavor and texture. Chill Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Well-chilled dough makes slicing easier and enhances the cookies’ texture when baked. Even Slices: Aim for uniform thickness when slicing your cookies to ensure even baking. If they’re too thick, they may not bake through completely. Temperature Check: Make sure your oven is preheated to 325°F before baking. An inconsistent oven temperature can lead to unevenly baked cookies. Chocolate Dipping: Melt chocolate using short intervals to avoid burning. If the chocolate cools too much, it won’t coat properly. These tips will help you create delightful Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies that everyone will love! Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select the right oranges for zesting? Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for firm oranges that have a bright, vibrant color and a fragrant aroma. Avoid fruits with dark spots all over, as this can indicate overripeness. Opt for organic oranges if possible, as they are less likely to have pesticides on the skin. What is the best way to store Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies? Very! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them soft and flavorful. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying to enhance their flavor and texture. Can I freeze the Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookie dough? Absolutely! To freeze the dough, wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, slice, and bake as directed. This way, you can always have fresh cookies ready to bake! What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly? If you find your dough is crumbly and not holding together, it may need a little extra moisture. Gradually add a tiny bit of softened butter or a splash of vanilla extract while mixing, until the dough comes together. Alternatively, ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately—too much flour can lead to dry dough. Are there any allergy considerations for the ingredients? Yes! While these Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are naturally egg-free, for those with dairy allergies, consider using non-dairy butter or margarine. Additionally, check the chocolate you choose for any potential allergens, as some brands may contain traces of nuts or gluten. Always read the ingredient labels to ensure safety! How can I customize these cookies for different dietary preferences? Certainly! These cookies are quite versatile! For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you want to make them vegan, simply replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and skip the chocolate dip or choose dairy-free chocolate. Adding different citrus zests, like lemon or lime, can also bring a fresh twist to your cookies. Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies for Joyful Munching Slice and Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat infused with zesty orange, perfect for gifting. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 17 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 37 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Unsalted Butter Opt for the highest quality for best results.1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar Creates a tender texture; key for melt-in-your-mouth experience.2-3 pieces Orange Zest Use zest from fresh oranges for the best taste.1/2 teaspoon Salt Fine salt works best in dough.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure extract enhances the cookie's overall profile.2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the backbone of the cookie; no alternatives needed.For the Chocolate Dip8 ounces Dark Melting Wafers Ghirardelli is a great choice, or use any quality chocolate that melts well. Equipment Stand MixerBaking Sheetmicrowave-safe bowlplastic wrapSharp Knife Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, and set aside.In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and confectioners' sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes.Mix in the freshly grated orange zest and vanilla extract until well blended, then gradually add in the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.Knead the dough briefly until it forms a ball.Roll the dough into a log, approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap it.Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a lined baking sheet.Bake for 15-17 minutes or until firm to the touch and pale golden, then cool on a wire rack.While cookies cool, melt dark melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals until smooth.Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, and set on parchment paper to dry completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For extended storage, freeze un-dipped cookies for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
