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.
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:
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Orange Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these buttery orange shortbread cookies infused with zesty orange and rich semisweet chocolate cardamom filling. Topped with a bright, sweet orange glaze, these gourmet cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, Christmas cookie exchanges, or any special occasion where a sophisticated treat is desired.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 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)
Chocolate Cardamom Filling
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (about ¾ cups)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (about 32-35%)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons orange juice (squeezed from the zested oranges, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Shortbread Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest, sea salt, vanilla extract, orange juice, and egg yolk; mix well to combine. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make Chocolate Cardamom Filling: In a small saucepan, bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer over medium heat, then pour it over the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in ground cardamom and sea salt. Allow the filling to cool and thicken slightly while preparing the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut dough into desired cookie shapes. Place half of the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a spoonful of the chocolate cardamom filling onto each cookie, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches. Bake for 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare Orange Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Add more orange juice gradually until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Finish Cookies: Drizzle or brush the orange glaze over cooled cookie sandwiches. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best dough texture.
- The orange zest adds a bright, fresh flavor — use unwaxed, organic oranges if possible.
- The cardamom in the chocolate filling is optional but adds a lovely, warm spice note.
- For a different flavor twist, substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; glaze may soften over time.
- These cookies freeze well once glazed; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 64 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
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