Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Add-ins
- 6 oz orange dark chocolate bar, chopped (brands like Lindt, Theo, Chocolove)
- sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on full strength for 30-45 seconds until just melted with some soft pieces remaining.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher sea salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 1 minute until creamy and well combined.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract on medium speed for an additional minute to incorporate the citrus and aroma.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure even blending into the mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold the chopped orange dark chocolate, including any shavings from the cutting board, into the dough using a spatula to evenly distribute.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to firm up and develop flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop and Garnish: Using a standard cookie scoop (~1.5 tbsp), form dough balls and place them on prepared sheets at least 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 11-13 minutes, rotating the pans halfway to ensure even baking, until edges are golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly.
Notes
- For a festive twist, use cranberry orange dark chocolate bars during holidays.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American