Zesty Orange Dark Chocolate Delight Cookies
These delectable cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Mrs. Fields recipe, infusing the rich, velvety notes of premium dark chocolate with the vibrant freshness of orange. Inspired by the beloved Terry's Chocolate Orange, these cookies burst with zesty flavor and are sure to please any crowd. With a tender chewy center and slight crisp edges, each bite offers a perfect harmony of citrus and chocolate. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or savored later, they are a fantastic treat for any occasion.
48
Servings
67
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 3/4 cups (all-purpose flour, sifted)
baking soda
3/4 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
orange rind
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
margarine
1 cup (melted)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed, light or dark)
eggs
2 (large, room temperature)
orange extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
dark chocolate
3 ounces (premium quality, coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with aluminum foil.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and freshly grated orange rind until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer set to medium speed to blend the granulated sugar and brown sugar until they are thoroughly combined.
4
Pour the melted margarine into the sugar blend, mixing well until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
5
Introduce the eggs, orange extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice into the mixture, continuing to beat until well incorporated and fluffy.
6
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined; be careful not to overmix as this may toughen the cookies.
7
Fold in the coarsely chopped premium dark chocolate, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
8
Using a tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
10
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
3.33g
Fat
9.17g
Carbs
0.83g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Dark Chocolate Delight Cookies?
These cookies are a flavorful twist on the classic Mrs. Fields recipe, combining premium dark chocolate with fresh orange notes, inspired by Terry's Chocolate Orange.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 servings.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 67 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I bake these cookies?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden around the edges.
What kind of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of premium quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line your baking sheets with aluminum foil before dropping the dough.
What provides the orange flavor in this recipe?
The flavor comes from a combination of 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange rind, 1 teaspoon of orange extract, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Should the margarine be melted or softened?
The recipe specifically requires 1 cup of melted margarine.
What type of flour is best for these cookies?
Use 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour that has been sifted.
Can I use any type of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either light or dark packed brown sugar.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie has approximately 3.33g of fat.
How should I combine the dry ingredients?
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and freshly grated orange rind in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
Is it important to use room temperature eggs?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 large, room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
How much space should I leave between cookies on the baking sheet?
Space the cookie dough about 1.5 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a tender, chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer set to medium speed is recommended for blending the sugars and wet ingredients.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I overmix the dough?
No, you should blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid toughening the cookies.
How do I cool the cookies?
Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each cookie contains approximately 9.17g of carbohydrates.
What amount of baking soda is required?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of sifted baking soda.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie provides approximately 0.83g of protein.
Is the orange rind freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange rind for the best flavor.
What size drops of dough should I use?
Use a tablespoon to drop the cookie dough onto the prepared sheets.
Can I use imitation orange extract?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of either pure or imitation orange extract.
What makes the mixture fluffy?
Beating the eggs, extract, and orange juice into the sugar and margarine mixture until well incorporated creates a fluffy texture.
Is this a holiday recipe?
While great for any occasion, its 'Terry's Chocolate Orange' inspiration makes it a popular choice for holiday treats.
How should the dark chocolate be added?
The coarsely chopped dark chocolate should be folded into the dough at the end to ensure even distribution.