If you adore the luscious combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, delightfully moist cookie packed with deep cocoa flavor, bursts of tangy orange zest, and those irresistible nuggets of Terry’s chocolate orange adding that extra special touch. These cookies effortlessly balance sweet and citrusy notes, making them perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your family or friends with a homemade treat that feels both decadent and refreshingly bright.

The image shows a cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface with several round chocolate cookies scattered on and around it. The cookies have a dark brown color with a rough, bumpy texture and visible chunks of chocolate embedded in the tops. Around the cookies, there are bright orange slices with pale orange flesh and slightly darker orange peel, adding contrast and freshness to the scene. Some small chocolate chips and tiny pieces of orange zest are also sprinkled on the surface and cookies, enhancing the overall look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each lending its own charm to the final cookie. From the wholesome all-purpose flour that forms the base to the rich natural cocoa powder that provides depth, every component plays a crucial role. Not to mention the cream cheese, which makes these cookies wonderfully soft and tender, and the Terry’s chocolate orange that truly brings the whole flavor story to life.

All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure so your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
Natural cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Gives a rich, authentic chocolate taste without overpowering the orange notes.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise and become light.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Aids in browning for a perfectly baked exterior.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cookies to perfection while contributing to a tender crumb.
Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Keeps cookies moist with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg, room temperature (1 large): Binds all ingredients and adds richness.
Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Ensures tender cookies that stay soft even days later.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Extra pockets of melty chocolate to delight every bite.
Terry’s chocolate orange, chopped (just over 1 cup): The star ingredient that delivers bursts of citrusy chocolate.
Orange zest (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, vibrant bite of orange flavor right in the dough.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Then, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to combine evenly. This ensures that every bite has just the right balance of leavening and flavor.

Step 2: Creaming the Sugar and Cream Cheese

Grab your mixer bowl and combine the granulated sugar with the softened cream cheese. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and velvety, usually about 1-2 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Next, to that creamy base add the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated. These ingredients bring moisture and richness, giving your cookies that perfect chewiness.

Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here—just enough to combine will give you soft, tender cookies without tough edges.

Step 5: Adding the Chocolate and Orange Goodies

Now for the fun part—fold in the mini chocolate chips, chopped Terry’s chocolate orange pieces, and the vibrant orange zest. Those chocolate orange chunks are what really elevate this recipe, delivering that unmistakable citrus-chocolate combination in each bite.

Step 6: Portioning the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, place dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking together.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies are just set but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them—the edges will look firm, but the middle should remain slightly tender.

Step 8: Cooling Down

Remove your cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the cookies firm up just enough to handle without losing any of their heavenly softness.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of finely grated orange zest on top after baking for an extra fresh zing and colorful touch. You might also dust lightly with powdered sugar for a charming, delicate finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Orange Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee—the citrus and chocolate notes complement those drinks perfectly. For a cozy treat, serve alongside a frothy orange-spiced latte or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies on a pretty dessert plate with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a side of chocolate ganache to dip them in. You can also wrap a few in cellophane tied with a bright orange ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that share the love of this fantastic recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Orange Cookies will stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cream cheese and oil help keep them soft and moist, so there’s no need to worry about them drying out quickly.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Just arrange baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked warmth, pop cooled or defrosted cookies into a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that soft, gooey charm that makes these Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe such a treat every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of Terry’s chocolate orange?

While regular chocolate will work, using Terry’s chocolate orange adds a unique, tangy citrus flavor that is key to this recipe’s signature taste. You can substitute, but the cookies won’t have quite the same delightful orange-chocolate balance.

Are these cookies more cakey or chewy?

Thanks to the cream cheese and vegetable oil, these cookies have a soft, tender texture that’s a wonderful balance between cakey and chewy—moist and melt-in-your-mouth with just the right amount of structure.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try swapping the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative and using dairy-free chocolate, but the texture and flavor will change slightly. This recipe really shines with the creamy richness from the cream cheese.

How important is the orange zest?

The orange zest brightens the flavor and brings freshness that lifts the rich chocolate. It’s a small addition but makes a big difference, so don’t skip it if you want to capture that true chocolate orange essence.

Can I store the dough before baking?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. This resting time actually helps enhance the flavors. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe is one of those joy-bringing treasures that quickly becomes a favorite. It’s perfect whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or simply to indulge yourself on a chilly afternoon. Give this recipe a try and get ready to experience the charming blend of chocolate and bright orange like never before—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe