Cookies, Desserts, Recipes

Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies

Sarah

I never make plain ‘ole Chocolate Chip Cookies. It’s rare that I’m craving a chocolate chip cookie in the first place, and if I absolutely had to make one, I normally add a bunch of other things like pumpkin, coconut, peanut butter, etc. But a few weeks ago I needed to make a dessert for our small group and these cookies just sounded good. I think it was the orange and chocolate combo. Even though it’s summer, and the citrus chocolate thing is so Christmasy, I had to have it. And I am so glad I did, because these cookies are out of this world!

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies | thepajamachef.com

This may be my new go-to chocolate chip cookie altogether. The cookie itself is practically perfect–chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside. They stay soft for days–though I bet they won’t last long! When you add in orange zest and juice, the flavor gets even better!

And the best part of these cookies besides their incredible flavor and texture? The fun faces in a couple cookies as they baked. See below. 🙂 Yes, I’m a dork.

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies | thepajamachef.com

OH! And one other thing. I know there’s some debate in the cookie world about how to do the butter. Melted? Softened? Throw it straight in from the fridge? [I know some people actually do that, and if you cream it well enough it actually sorta works.] The original recipe calls for melted butter, but I prefer using softened, so I just did that and it worked out fine. Click on over to the original if you prefer melted [or need to hurry up the process]. One thing I wouldn’t hurry up is the chilling! Chilling the dough is essential. It deepens the flavor [tried the dough before + after and found a definite difference!] and it firms up the dough so it doesn’t spread as much. The thicker the cookie, the better imo. Hope you try these fabulous orange chocolate treats. They’re a fun twist on a classic cookie. Enjoy!

a year ago… Brown Sugar Squash Muffins
two years ago… The Best Panini Ever
three years ago… Creamy Lemon Squares

Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies [slightly altered from Crazy for Crust via Chef in Training]
click to print

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest [from 1 large orange]
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Cream together butter and sugars until soft and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low in between. Then add vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest, and beat on low for 1 minute until combined.

Gradually beat in flour and baking soda, then fold in chocolate chips. Do not overmix.

Chill dough, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes–but an hour + is best.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees while you form the dough into balls. Line baking sheets with parchment or a silpat, then scoop dough into 1.5 to 2 tablespoon balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to cooling rack to cool completely.

Time: 30 minutes, plus time to chill.

Yield: 3-4 dozen depending on how size.

Linked up with: Foodie Friday, Weekend Potluck.

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Published by Sarah

Librarian. Runner. Wife. Jesus follower. Loves reading, Indiana basketball, trying new recipes, coffee, cuddling with my kitties, cozy scarves, and cardigans.

42 thoughts on “Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies”

  5. One time, I accidentally confused the lemon extract with vanilla extract and put lemon in my cookies. It was weird, but strangely also good. Orange might work a bit better though 😉

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    1. Haha yeah I can see that. Lemon and white chocolate could go really well together though! Next time, I want to try orange extract in these cookies. I was all out this time.

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  8. The orange would be perfect in these cookies. I would never think to do that! I can only imagine how good they were. I’ll think up an excuse to make these soon 🙂

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  11. Love orange and chocolate together – this was a match made in heaven! I’ve been wanting chocolate chip cookies so bad lately – your timing is uncanny.

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  15. I’ve tried cookies both with melted butter (mm, browned butter) and softened butter. They both are good, so I think it’s a matter of preference. The cookies I’ve been making the most use softened butter.

    These cookies look chewy, which I like! The addition of orange is great, since I often get tired of just plain chocolate chip cookies. Now I’m thinking about Christmas baking, though.

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  16. These cookies look fabulous…love a little orange in there.

    Most times I forget to leave the butter out of the fridge before I bake, so I find it I beat it well enough with the sugar like you said, it works out fine…however in the event that I do remember I prefer baking with softened butter than melted…keeps the cookies soft and not crispy.

    Found you through Foodie Friday and now following. I’m hosting a special giveaway so please stop by and check it out.

    Blessings, Catherine xo

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  18. I never make plain chocolate chippers either because I feel like I have to take advantage of the opportunity for a new recipe every time I bake. Haha, I love the little faces in these delicious-looking cookies!

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  20. Pingback: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Streusel Muffins | The Pajama Chef

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