Chocolate orange shortbread

Name: Chocolate Orange Shortbread Biscuits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 175 grams butter; 90 grams caster sugar; 150 grams flour; 50 grams cornflour; Zest of 1 orange; 75 grams chocolate chips

Published: February 13, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile: Enjoy these biscuits as a dessert, snack, or even as part of a gift basket during festive seasons.
Freezable: You can make a large batch and freeze them for later enjoyment—ideal for unexpected guests or cravings!
Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of chocolate and orange creates a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Perfect for Sharing: With 26 biscuits in one batch, they’re great for sharing with loved ones or bringing to potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your chocolate orange shortbread.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients efficiently without spills.
Baking tray: A good-quality baking tray ensures even heat distribution, helping your biscuits bake perfectly.
Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the cookies once baked.

Ingredients

To create these delightful chocolate orange shortbread biscuits, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

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 and Baking Tray

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking tray with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and caster sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and cornflour. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Orange Zest and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the orange zest and chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1 cm thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your biscuits or cut them into squares with a knife.

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 and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chocolate orange shortbread with tea or coffee!

How to Serve Chocolate orange shortbread

Chocolate orange shortbread biscuits are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various creative ways. Whether for a tea party, a snack, or a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruits

Citrus Slices – Pair your biscuits with fresh orange or grapefruit slices for a refreshing contrast.
Berries – Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and sweetness.

Accompanied by Dips

Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle melted chocolate or serve it as a dip for an extra indulgent treat.
Cream Cheese Spread – A light cream cheese mixture can add a creamy texture that complements the shortbread.

As Part of Dessert Platters

Mixed Biscuit Selection – Combine with other flavored biscuits for a varied dessert platter at gatherings.
Cheese Board Addition – Include on a cheese board along with mild cheeses to balance the sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate orange shortbread

To achieve the best results with your chocolate orange shortbread, follow these simple tips.

Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the biscuits maintain their shape during baking.
Use Quality Ingredients – High-quality butter and chocolate will enhance the flavor significantly.
Measure Accurately – Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure perfect texture and consistency.
Bake Until Lightly Golden – Keep an eye on them; remove from the oven once they turn slightly golden around the edges.
Let Cool Completely – Allowing the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack helps them firm up.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate orange shortbread

Pairing side dishes with your chocolate orange shortbread can elevate the overall experience. Here are some delightful options:

Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the shortbread.
Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the cookies beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a wholesome side that contrasts well with sweet biscuits.
Tea or Coffee – A warm cup of tea or coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a lovely afternoon treat.
Nut Mix – A selection of nuts provides crunch and savory notes that pair nicely with sweet flavors.
Cheese Platter – Offer some mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside your biscuits for an elegant touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate orange shortbread can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold ingredient measurement: Using incorrect measurements can lead to poor texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
Bold overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a light and tender biscuit.
Bold skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough may cause the biscuits to spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Bold using old ingredients: Expired or stale ingredients can affect flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates before use.
Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to cookies that are either burnt or undercooked. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate orange shortbread

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for up to 3 months before transferring to a container.
Use parchment paper between layers in the container to avoid sticking.

Reheating Chocolate orange shortbread

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Bold Microwave: Heat each biscuit for about 10-15 seconds on medium power for a warm treat.
Bold Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until warm.

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 butter and sugar, mix in flour and cornflour, add orange zest and chocolate chips, then bake until golden.

Can I customize my chocolate orange shortbread?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor.

How long does it take to make chocolate orange shortbread?

It takes approximately 30 minutes of preparation time and an additional 20 minutes of baking time, totaling around 80 minutes including chilling.

What is the best way to store chocolate orange shortbread?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate orange shortbread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or add-ins. Whether you’re making these delightful biscuits as snacks or treats for guests, they are sure to impress!

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