Name: Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large oranges (zested); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed); 1 large egg yolk; 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (about 3/4 cups); ½ cup heavy whipping cream (about 32-35%); ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional); ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons orange juice (squeezed from the zested oranges, as needed)

There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of buttery shortbread with bright, fresh orange zest and melting chocolate. This Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe brings that perfect balance of citrus zing and rich chocolate, making it an all-time favorite whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something special.

The image shows several round cookies with scalloped edges, each having two layers: a light golden beige top layer with a star-shaped cutout in the center that reveals a dark brown filling underneath. The cookies are placed on a sheet of vintage-style printed paper with sprigs of fresh green rosemary scattered around. A bright orange half is also visible, adding a vibrant pop of color. The surface under the paper appears as a white marbled texture. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of smooth and textured elements. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it strikes a delightful chord between simplicity and sophistication. I love how these cookies manage to feel elegant yet are so easy to whip up at home, and the chocolate filling adds that extra layer of indulgence that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Rich Citrus Flavor: Zesty orange zest and juice brighten the buttery shortbread for a fresh, vibrant taste.
Decadent Chocolate Filling: Melty chocolate mixed with cardamom spices makes this much more than your average cookie.
Perfect Texture: The shortbread stays tender yet crisp, complemented by a silky smooth chocolate center.
Versatile & Gift-Worthy: These cookies look stunning on a plate and make a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Using fresh oranges is crucial for that bright zing, while quality unsalted butter creates a tender crumb. Let’s break it down:

Flat lay of two whole fresh oranges with bright orange skin and a few zest strips nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a block of unsalted butter with a smooth pale yellow surface, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear orange juice, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of sifted all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semisweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cardamom powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture in the dough.
Oranges (zest and juice): Fresh zest packs in fragrant citrus oils while the juice adds moisture and tang.
Unsalted butter: The backbone for tender, rich shortbread—make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus notes.
Egg yolk: Binds the dough together while lending richness without making it tough.
All purpose flour: Provides structure, but not too much, so shortbread stays delicate.
Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Melts beautifully inside the filling for a luscious center.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky ganache-like filling texture.
Ground cardamom (optional): Adds a subtle spice that pairs wonderfully with orange and chocolate.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to give the cookies a sweet, shiny finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore this recipe as written, I also like to switch things up depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to make these cookies your own—experimenting with flavors is part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the cardamom for a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder for a surprising twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and orange.
Dietary tweaks: Use gluten-free flour blends if needed, and dairy-free chocolate along with coconut cream to make a vegan-friendly batch.
Seasonal changes: These cookies are perfect year-round but especially delightful when oranges are in season, fresh from your local market.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe

The image shows round sandwich cookies with three layers: a light golden brown base cookie, a middle dark chocolate filling, and a top cookie with a white icing covering and a star-shaped hole in the center revealing the chocolate layer below. The top cookie's edges are scalloped, giving a decorative look. The cookies are placed on crumpled brown paper with black text, and next to them are bright orange slices showing their juicy texture. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar & Orange Zest

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and the zest of two large oranges. This releases the citrus oils right into the sugar, infusing the dough with bright flavor from the get-go. Cream until light and fluffy — it usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential for tender cookies, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the sea salt, vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and egg yolk. Mix just until combined. You want everything well incorporated but avoid overmixing—overworking the dough can make your cookies tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 3: Fold in Flour for the Perfect Dough

Gradually add your all purpose flour, folding it gently into the butter mixture. Once the dough comes together and feels soft but not sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up so the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

While the dough chills, heat the heavy whipping cream just until it simmers—don't boil! Pour it over the semisweet chocolate and sprinkle in the cardamom and a pinch of sea salt. Let this sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly but keep it pourable.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes—rounds work beautifully here. Place half the cookies on a lined baking sheet. Spoon a small dollop of chocolate filling onto each, then top with the remaining cookies, gently pressing edges to seal.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden. Be careful not to overbake—they should stay tender and light in color.

Step 6: Glaze and Cool

Mix powdered sugar with enough fresh orange juice to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle lightly over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus sweetness and a beautiful finish. Let the glaze set before serving.

Top Tip

I’ve made these cookies dozens of times, and a few tweaks have made all the difference in keeping them consistently tender and showcases that amazing orange flavor. Here are a few nuggets from my kitchen to yours:

Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip chilling — it’s key for ease of rolling and helps maintain the cookie’s shape when baking.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
Use Fresh Orange Zest: Fresh zest has essential oils that dried zest simply can’t match—your cookies will smell and taste noticeably brighter.
Seal the Edges Well: When sandwiching the cookies with chocolate filling, press the edges gently but firmly to avoid ooze-outs during baking.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe

orange shortbread cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little finely grated orange zest or edible gold dust over the glazed cookies to make them extra special, especially for gifts or holiday parties. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after glazing also adds a lovely crunch and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich hot chocolate on chilly evenings. For a festive twist, serve alongside a citrus-spiced mulled wine or your favorite coffee brew—it really brings out the orange and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday cookie platters, I like stacking these sandwiched cookies in little pyramids tied with twine or displayed inside clear glass jars decorated with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices. They make stunning, edible centerpieces for any table gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They actually taste better after a day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully—either fully baked or freeze the dough discs before baking. When freezing baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop the thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—just enough to gently soften the chocolate center without drying out the shortbread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of orange?

Absolutely! Lemons or mandarins can work beautifully, offering a different but equally delightful citrus twist. Just adjust the zest and juice to suit your taste preference.

What if I don’t have cardamom—can I skip it?

Yes, cardamom is optional and adds a subtle spice that complements the flavors nicely, but skipping it won’t affect the cookie’s success. You can also replace it with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want some warmth.

How do I prevent the chocolate filling from oozing out?

Make sure to chill the dough well before assembling, and press the cookie edges firmly around the filling to seal it. Don’t overfill the cookies with chocolate ganache—it should be just enough for a tasty center.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful that texture may slightly vary, but they will still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love sharing this Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe because it’s one of those treats that feels like a little moment of celebration every time you bite in. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying with your afternoon coffee, these cookies never disappoint. I hope you find as much joy making (and eating!) them as I do—grab those oranges and get baking!