There is something utterly irresistible about the combination of bright, zesty orange and rich, velvety chocolate wrapped up in a buttery, crumbly shortbread. This Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe is a delightful treat that hits all the right notes: sweet, citrusy, and satisfyingly crisp. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea, these biscuits bring together simple ingredients with a punch of flavor that will make you smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, balancing taste and texture to create the perfect biscuit experience. From soft butter to fragrant orange zest and luscious chocolate chips, every component is essential.
- 175 grams butter: Provides that rich, tender base which gives the shortbread its classic crumbly texture.
- 90 grams caster sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping to create a light, fluffy dough.
- 150 grams flour: Forms the structural backbone of the dough, keeping everything together.
- 50 grams cornflour: Gives the shortbread its melt-in-the-mouth delicate crumb that sets it apart from ordinary biscuits.
- Zest of 1 orange: Brings a refreshing burst of citrus aroma and flavor that brightens the whole biscuit.
- 75 grams chocolate chips: Offers pockets of smooth, melted chocolate that contrast perfectly with the zesty orange and buttery shortbread.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This little step is important because it ensures your biscuits bake evenly and pop off the tray easily without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air in the dough and is key to creating that lovely shortbread texture you want.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornflour, and orange zest. This dry mix infuses the dough with zesty brightness and helps give the shortbread its characteristic crumbly texture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring as you go to fully incorporate the ingredients. This forms a soft but manageable dough that will hold its shape beautifully.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These chocolate pockets will melt slightly during baking, giving bursts of sweetness that perfectly complement the citrus.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1 cm thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, adding a playful touch to your Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe. Whether you go classic circles or festive shapes, this step invites a bit of fun into the baking process.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place your cut biscuits onto the prepared tray and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This resting time allows the shortbread to firm up perfectly.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
These shortbread biscuits can shine on their own, but a quick sprinkle of extra orange zest or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top can add a gorgeous finishing touch. Garnishing helps enhance both the look and the citrusy-chocolate flavor combo that makes this recipe so special.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Orange Shortbread alongside a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the buttery sweetness. Alternatively, pair them with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few shortbreads on a beautiful plate layered with a fresh orange slice between each biscuit for a vibrant display. Or, arrange them in a jar tied with a pretty ribbon as a thoughtful gift. Presentation adds to the joy of sharing this lovely Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe with others.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and crisp for up to a week. Proper storage keeps the biscuits from absorbing any unwanted moisture or odors.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature. Freezing helps maintain the wonderful texture and flavor of the Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe.
Reheating
If you like your shortbread slightly warm, pop the biscuits in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. This gently warms the chocolate and enhances the orange aroma without making the biscuits too soft.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of caster sugar?
While you can substitute dark brown sugar, it will add a deeper molasses flavor that changes the classic shortbread taste. Caster sugar keeps the texture light and flavor bright, which pairs best with the orange and chocolate.
Is cornflour necessary in this recipe?
Cornflour is key to achieving the tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture of shortbread. Omitting it may result in a firmer biscuit that lacks that delicate crumb that makes this recipe so special.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with structure.
How can I intensify the orange flavor?
Feel free to increase the orange zest slightly or add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the dough. Just be cautious with liquids as too much can affect the dough’s consistency.
Can I roll the dough thicker or thinner?
You can adjust thickness to your preference, but rolling it about 1 cm thick yields the perfect balance between crumbly texture and satisfying bite. Thinner biscuits will be crisper, while thicker ones are softer inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that combines buttery richness with bright citrus and rich chocolate, this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, guaranteed to brighten any snack time or special occasion. Give it a go, and watch these delightful biscuits become your new favorite indulgence.
Print
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the buttery richness of these Chocolate Orange Shortbread biscuits, perfectly combining zesty orange flavor and sweet chocolate chips. This easy-to-make treat offers a tender, crumbly texture with a hint of citrus, ideal for teatime or a festive snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 175 grams butter
- 90 grams caster sugar
- 150 grams flour
- 50 grams cornflour
- Zest of 1 orange
- 75 grams chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender shortbread texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, and orange zest, mixing well to distribute the zest evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, gently folding until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips carefully to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, roll it out to about 1 cm thick, and cut into shapes using cookie cutters of your choice.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking tray and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool on a wire rack before serving to set their shape and texture perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overwork the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep the shortbread tender.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chopped dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate taste.
- Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
