If you have a soft spot for the magical combination of zesty orange and rich chocolate, you are going to adore this Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the nostalgic, refreshing citrus bite of Terry’s Chocolate Orange with a tender, chewy cookie base that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you deserve something special, this recipe balances sweetness, texture, and that unmistakable flavor fusion in the most delicious way imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly exquisite. Each component plays its role, from the creamy butter adding softness to the flour giving structure, while the orange zest infuses a lively aroma that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): This adds richness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Gives the cookie a moist chewiness and deep caramel notes.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge on the cookies.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all ingredients together for perfect structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, making every bite more aromatic.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The main building block that gives the cookies their body and shape.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, fluffy crumb.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Zest of 1 orange: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange (1 cup): The star ingredient, bursting with that signature chocolatey-orange goodness.
How to Make Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily. This simple prep step sets you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key for incorporating air, giving your cookies a lovely lift and tenderness.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture, beating until well combined. Folding in the orange zest at this point infuses the dough with that wonderful citrus fragrance that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until all the flour disappears. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so take it easy.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange
Now for the fun part: folding in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange. These chocolate orange pieces will melt slightly when baked, creating delightful pockets of gooey sweetness and orange zing throughout the cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For an extra touch of charm and chocolate bite, gently press a slice of chocolate orange on top of each cookie before popping them in the oven.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown but the centers remain soft and inviting. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them set perfectly—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookies’ appearance and flavor with simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch, while a tiny sliver of orange zest on top of each cookie invites an extra burst of citrus freshness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or a mug of hot tea. If you’re serving them as a dessert, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of orange-infused chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack your cookies tied with a vibrant ribbon or arrange them in a decorative tin alongside segments of fresh orange and a few blocks of Terry’s Chocolate Orange for an eye-catching display. You can also serve them warm with melted chocolate for dipping—pure bliss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delightfully fresh for about 4 to 5 days, maintaining their soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
Freezing
This Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture, making them taste as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Terry’s Chocolate Orange?
Absolutely! While Terry’s Chocolate Orange gives this recipe its signature flavor, you can substitute with orange-flavored chocolate or simply use dark or milk chocolate chunks if you prefer. Just remember the orange zest is key to keeping that citrus-chocolate magic alive.
How can I make these cookies thicker?
For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up, reducing spread and resulting in a chunkier, chewier cookie.
Is there a way to boost the orange flavor even more?
Yes! Adding a few drops of orange extract to the wet ingredients intensifies the citrus notes without overpowering the chocolate. It’s a personal favorite trick to elevate the flavor profile.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the delicious Terry’s Chocolate Orange flavor will still shine through.
What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate from melting too much and losing shape?
Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the chocolate chunks intact. Additionally, pressing the chocolate slices gently on top just before baking allows them to soften but not completely melt away, adding a lovely visual and taste contrast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing this Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe. It’s a wonderful fusion of bright, zesty orange and luscious chocolate wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie that feels like a little celebration in your kitchen. I encourage you to make these cookies soon—whether for a holiday, a special treat, or just to brighten your day—and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
Print
Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies combine the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with the rich, creamy decadence of chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Soft and chewy with a delightful chocolate-orange flavor, they make the perfect festive treat or an indulgent snack for any time of year.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1 cup chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange (plus extra slices for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and allow for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, then stir in the fresh orange zest to infuse the dough with citrus aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep the cookies soft.
- Fold in Chocolate Orange: Gently fold in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces, ensuring even chocolate distribution throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon, scoop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Top with Chocolate Orange Slices: Optionally, press a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange gently onto the top of each cookie for an attractive finish and added chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For an intensified orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the wet ingredients.
- If you prefer thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps control spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
