Chocolate orange shortbread

Name: Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Baked Goods
Ingredients: 175 grams butter; 90 grams caster sugar; 150 grams flour; 50 grams cornflour; Zest of 1 orange; 75 grams chocolate chips

Published: January 12, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up effortlessly.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for tea time, parties, or just because; these biscuits suit any occasion.
Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze some for later—enjoy fresh cookies anytime!
Melt-in-the-Mouth Texture: These biscuits have a light and buttery consistency that is truly irresistible.
Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of chocolate and orange creates a unique taste that elevates traditional shortbread.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your chocolate orange shortbread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Whisk
Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
Baking tray: A sturdy tray ensures even baking and prevents warping during the cooking process.
Parchment paper: This non-stick surface makes transferring cookies easy and helps with cleanup.
Whisk: An essential tool for mixing ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of sugar and butter.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread

175 grams butter
90 grams caster sugar
150 grams flour
50 grams cornflour
1 orange zest
75 grams chocolate chips

How to Make Chocolate orange shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, add the butter and caster sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream them together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornflour, and the zest from one orange. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape Your Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to shape your biscuits as desired.

Step 6: Bake

Place the shaped biscuits on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving or storing. Enjoy your delicious chocolate orange shortbread!

How to Serve Chocolate orange shortbread

Chocolate orange shortbread biscuits are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging at home, these biscuits offer versatility in serving.

With Tea or Coffee

Pair your chocolate orange shortbread with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a classic afternoon treat. The rich flavors complement the warmth of your beverage perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Arrange the biscuits alongside other sweets on a dessert platter. Include fruits, chocolates, and other cookies for an inviting display that’s perfect for gatherings.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

Crumble chocolate orange shortbread over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The cookie adds texture and flavor to the creamy base.

Gift Packaging

Package these biscuits in decorative boxes or jars as homemade gifts. They make delightful presents for friends and family during celebrations or holidays.

During Celebrations

Serve chocolate orange shortbread at birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Their unique flavor makes them an excellent addition to any festive table.

How to Perfect Chocolate orange shortbread

To achieve the best results with your chocolate orange shortbread, consider these helpful tips:

Use room temperature butter: This will help create a smooth dough and ensure the biscuits have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chill the dough: After mixing, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading during baking.
Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and butter, ensuring consistent results every time.
Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Bake until golden: Keep an eye on your biscuits while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Cool completely before storing: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate orange shortbread

Chocolate orange shortbread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds freshness and contrasts beautifully with the rich cookies.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream served alongside provides a creamy balance to the crunchy biscuits.
Custard Sauce: A warm custard sauce can elevate your cookie experience by adding creaminess and sweetness when drizzled over them.
Fruit Compote: Serve with a tangy fruit compote made from oranges or mixed berries to complement the citrus notes of the shortbread.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping, enhancing their chocolatey goodness.
Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese on your serving platter as a savory contrast to the sweet biscuits.
Tea Sandwiches: Simple cucumber or cheese sandwiches make an excellent light accompaniment to balance out sweetness during tea time.
Nut Mixes: A bowl of assorted nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft biscuit consistency, making for an enjoyable snack plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chocolate orange shortbread, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies.

Using cold butter: Cold butter can make the dough tough. Always use room temperature butter for a light and flaky texture.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until combined for the best results.
Not measuring accurately: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts of ingredients.
Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape while baking. Don’t skip this step; at least 30 minutes is recommended.
Using low-quality chocolate: Low-quality chocolate can affect flavor. Choose good quality chocolate chips for richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Chocolate orange shortbread

Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate orange shortbread

Oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and warm cookies for 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
Stovetop: Cover with a lid over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chocolate orange shortbread.

How do I make chocolate orange shortbread?

To make chocolate orange shortbread, combine softened butter, sugar, flour, cornflour, orange zest, and chocolate chips. Bake until lightly golden.

Can I substitute other flavors in chocolate orange shortbread?

Yes! You can experiment with different citrus zests or flavored extracts like almond or vanilla.

How long do chocolate orange shortbread last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

What is the best way to serve chocolate orange shortbread?

These delicious biscuits pair well with tea or coffee and make a delightful treat at any gathering or as an afternoon snack.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate orange shortbread are not only easy to make but also highly customizable! You can add nuts or try different flavors to suit your preferences. These delightful cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them, so give them a go!

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