Zesty Chocolate Orange Drop Cookies
These Zesty Chocolate Orange Drop Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, inspired by the beloved 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book. With a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, these cookies are infused with the bright flavors of fresh orange juice and vibrant zest. The addition of rich chocolate chips creates a harmonious blend of citrus sweetness and decadent chocolate, making these treats irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
butter
2/3 cup (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup
egg
1 (room temperature)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
orange zest
2 tablespoons (grated)
raisins or chocolate chips
1/2 cup (if using)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the room temperature egg, mixing well until fully integrated.
4
Stir in the fresh orange juice and grated orange zest, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5
Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
If using, fold in either the raisins or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
7
Using a rounded teaspoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are delicately browned and the tops appear set.
9
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chocolate Orange Drop Cookies?
These cookies are a soft, cake-like treat inspired by the 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book, featuring fresh orange juice, zest, and chocolate chips.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the cookies.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
What type of flour is recommended?
Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour for these cookies.
Can I use butter straight from the fridge?
No, the recipe calls for 2/3 cup of softened butter to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Should the egg be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one room temperature egg for better integration into the batter.
Is fresh orange juice necessary?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
How much orange zest is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of grated orange zest to provide a vibrant citrus flavor.
Can I use raisins instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of either raisins or chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Should I grease the baking sheets?
No, the dough should be dropped onto ungreased baking sheets.
How much space should I leave between the cookies on the pan?
Space the cookie dough about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are delicately browned and the tops appear set.
What should I do after removing the cookies from the oven?
Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the classic 1963 Betty Crocker Cooky Book.
Are these cookies considered snacks or desserts?
They are categorized as both desserts and snacks.
What leavening agents are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon each).
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Is there salt in these cookies?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold them in gently.
What is the risk of overmixing?
Overmixing can affect the texture; you should fold until just combined for a soft, cake-like result.
What size should the cookie drops be?
Use a rounded teaspoon to drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cookies, drop cookies, chocolate orange, cake-like cookies, desserts, snacks, citrus cookies, betty crocker, and baking.
Does this recipe contain protein information?
No, the nutritional data for protein is not provided in this specific record.
Can I make these without orange juice?
Orange juice is a key ingredient for both the flavor and consistency of this specific citrus recipe.
What are the main flavor profiles of this cookie?
The cookies feature a harmonious blend of citrus sweetness from orange and decadent chocolate chips.
Is the dough supposed to be thick or thin?
The instructions describe dropping the dough by the teaspoon, which suggests a standard drop-cookie consistency.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They are finished baking when the edges are delicately browned and the tops appear set.
Are there any nutritional facts like fiber or sodium?
Nutritional values for fiber, sodium, calories, and fats are currently listed as null in the source data.