Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly balances the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate with the bright, zesty punch of fresh orange - a combination so magical, it'll transport you to culinary heaven! Ben's Orange and Chocolate Cookies are not just another dessert; they're a sensory experience that will revolutionize your baking game and impress everyone from family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and the tablespoon of orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious Orange and Chocolate Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
- Zest Technique: Use a microplane or fine grater to get the most fragrant orange zest without the bitter white pith.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes and even baking.
- Cool Completely: Let cookies cool entirely on wire racks to develop the best texture and prevent sogginess.
- Storage Hack: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep cookies soft for days.
- Bonus Variation: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor dimension!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
