The aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the home is undeniably comforting. When those biscuits are Chocolate Orange Shortbread, you experience a special kind of joy. This recipe marries the richness of chocolate with the zesty brightness of orange, creating a delightful treat that’s not only light and buttery but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a sweet surprise in lunch boxes, these biscuits promise to be a hit with family and friends alike. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly—ideal for keeping a stash on hand for when those cravings strike. Ready to make something that will leave everyone asking for more? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are these biscuits so irresistible?
Delightful combination: The fusion of rich chocolate and zesty orange in these shortbread biscuits creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
Effortlessly simple: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this easy recipe in no time, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Perfect texture: Experience the magic of a melt-in-your-mouth biscuit that’s not too crumbly but perfectly tender—your guests will be convinced you’re a professional!
Versatile enjoyment: These biscuits are fantastic on their own or paired with a cup of tea. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside your favorite dessert, like Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Make-ahead magic: Not only are these biscuits freezer-friendly, but they also maintain their delightful taste and texture, making them a convenient option for spontaneous snacking.
Crowd-pleasing favorite: Whether it’s an afternoon tea party or a cozy family gathering, these biscuits will be the star of the show, leaving everyone longing for the recipe!
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Ingredients
For the Biscuit Dough
• Butter – 175 grams; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Caster Sugar – 90 grams; this sweetness helps create a tender biscuit.
• Plain Flour – 150 grams; forms the essential structure of the biscuit.
• Cornflour – 50 grams; tenderizes the biscuit for a delightful crumble.
• Orange Zest – From 1 orange; adds a refreshing citrus flavor to your chocolate orange shortbread.
• Chocolate Chips – 75 grams; semi-sweet chocolate gives the perfect rich touch to the biscuits.
Optional Variations
• Dried Fruit – Swap chocolate chips with your favorite dried fruit for added sweetness.
• Nuts – Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Spices – Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Step 1: Mixing the Base
Begin by creaming 175 grams of room temperature butter and 90 grams of caster sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to incorporate air without breaking down the butter’s structure. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Chocolate Orange Shortbread.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
Next, sift 150 grams of plain flour and 50 grams of cornflour directly into the mixing bowl with the butter and sugar. Add the zest from one orange along with 75 grams of chocolate chips. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined, ensuring you don’t overwork the dough. This will help maintain the shortbread’s delicate crumb structure, ensuring every bite bursts with chocolate and citrus.
Step 3: Forming the Dough
Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together into a cohesive dough. Shape the dough into a log with a diameter of about 4 cm. Wrap the log tightly in cling film to prevent air from getting in. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the butter to become firm, which is key to achieving the right texture in your chocolate orange shortbread.
Step 4: Slicing the Dough
Once chilled, remove the dough from the cling film and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1 cm thick rounds, making sure to cut straight through without pressing down too hard. Place the rounds on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 5: Baking the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F, gas mark 2) while you prepare your baking sheet. Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with your chocolate orange shortbread rounds inside. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking, as a perfect biscuit should have a delicate color.
Step 6: Cooling the Biscuits
After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the biscuits sit for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula. Allow them to cool completely, which will enhance their tantalizing flavor and perfect their melt-in-the-mouth texture. Your Chocolate Orange Shortbread is now ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Orange Shortbread
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the chocolate orange shortbread from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
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Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Soft butter blends more easily, giving you the rich texture that makes these biscuits irresistible.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your biscuits while they bake. Check them around the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook; you want them lightly golden at the edges.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Storage Perfection: Store your chocolate orange shortbread in an airtight container. They stay fresh for several days, or you can freeze them for longer storage—perfect for unexpected cravings!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Airtight Container: Keep your chocolate orange shortbread biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge Storage: If you prefer, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure they are in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen chocolate orange shortbread, let them defrost at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful biscuits and adjust them to suit your unique taste preferences!
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Dried Fruit: Swap chocolate chips with your favorite dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.
With this option, you’ll enjoy light bursts of sweetness with every bite. -
Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
The nuts provide a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery shortbread! -
Spiced Up: Add a dash of spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an aromatic kick.
These spices can elevate the flavor profile, infusing warmth that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. -
Lemon Zest: For a fresh twist, replace orange zest with zest from a lemon or lime.
This citrus swap adds brightness and vibrancy to your biscuits, making them refreshing and zesty. -
Double Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder along with the flour for a richer chocolate flavor.
You’ll create a decadent cookie that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore! -
White Chocolate: Try adding white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter and creamier flavor.
The combination of creamy chocolate and zesty orange is simply irresistible! -
Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
You won’t sacrifice taste or texture while accommodating dietary preferences! -
Chili Kick: For those who enjoy a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough.
This subtle heat will surprise and delight your taste buds, making for a memorable treat!
For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my recipe for Crispy Chocolate Oat Cookies or whip up a batch of Dark Chocolate Raspberry cheesecakes to accompany your biscuits!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Orange Shortbread Biscuits are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps, then wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate. This chilling not only enhances the flavors but also prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking. You can slice the chilled log and keep the rounds on a lined baking sheet in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, which is perfect for unexpected guests or cravings. When you’re set to indulge, just preheat your oven and bake them fresh, yielding warm, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that are just as delightful as if they were made on the spot!
What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Shortbread
Indulging in the lush flavors of these biscuits creates a perfect opportunity for delightful pairings that elevate your treat experience.
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Freshly Brewed Tea: A classic pairing, the warmth and subtle flavors of tea enhance the buttery richness of the biscuits while balancing the citrus notes.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these chocolate orange shortbread biscuits alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold textures. The sweetness of the ice cream complements the biscuits beautifully.
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Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with segments of orange, grapefruit, and a drizzle of honey brightens your plate, echoing the orange zest in the biscuits. This light, fresh option cuts through the richness perfectly.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: For a comforting finale, enjoy your biscuits with a mug of rich hot chocolate. The deep chocolate flavors unite, giving you a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist.
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Fruit-infused Sparkling Water: Try pairing these buttery treats with a refreshing glass of fruit-infused sparkling water to cleanse your palate, enhancing the biscuits’ flavors without overwhelming them.
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Almond Biscotti: For a bit of crunch, serve with almond biscotti. Their toasty flavors resonate well with the orange and chocolate, making it a delightful contrast.
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Homemade Custard: Drizzle some velvety homemade custard over the biscuits for an indulgent dessert. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the biscuit’s light crunch.
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Bubbly Champagne: For a special occasion, consider pairing these delightful biscuits with a glass of champagne. The bubbles add a festive touch, making every bite an exquisite experience.
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Easy Fruit Sorbet: For a light, refreshing dessert option, serve with scoops of fruit sorbet. The sweetness and fruity essence will harmonize beautifully with your chocolate orange shortbread.
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Biscuits Recipe FAQs
What type of butter is best for the biscuits?
Absolutely, using unsalted butter is the best choice for your chocolate orange shortbread. It allows you to control the salt content and gives the biscuits that rich, creamy flavor. Be sure to have the butter at room temperature, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy mixture.
How long can I store my biscuits and how should I do it?
For optimal freshness, store your chocolate orange shortbread biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can also refrigerate them, where they’ll keep well for up to one week. Just make sure they are sealed properly to avoid moisture.
Can I freeze the chocolate orange shortbread biscuits?
Absolutely! To freeze your chocolate orange shortbread, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a biscuit, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What should I do if my biscuits spread too much while baking?
If your biscuits spread too much during baking, it may be due to not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure to let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing and baking. If they still spread, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour next time, as this can help stiffen the dough slightly.
Are there any allergen considerations for this recipe?
Yes, if you or your guests have nut allergies, be cautious if you decide to add nuts as a variation! As the recipe stands, it contains butter and wheat (from the flour), which might not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. You can substitute dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version and opt for gluten-free flour for a gluten-friendly biscuit.
Can I use other types of chocolate besides semi-sweet?
Very! If you prefer a richer taste, dark chocolate chips work wonderfully in this chocolate orange shortbread. You can also experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter version. The key is to ensure that whatever chocolate you choose complements the zesty orange flavor—so go ahead and find your perfect match!
Chocolate Orange Shortbread: Irresistibly Buttery Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream 175 grams of room temperature butter and 90 grams of caster sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sift 150 grams of plain flour and 50 grams of cornflour into the bowl, add the zest from one orange and 75 grams of chocolate chips, and mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a floured surface and form a log with a diameter of about 4 cm. Wrap it in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1 cm thick rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F, gas mark 2). Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let the biscuits cool on a wire rack after baking to enhance their flavor and texture.
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