When it comes to holiday baking, there’s something magical about combining the flavors of citrus and chocolate. These ultimate orange fudge cookies perfectly marry the richness of cocoa with the bright, fresh zest of oranges, creating a cookie that feels both indulgent and refreshingly festive.
For me, chocolate and orange is a pairing that never fails to bring back warm memories. It’s a flavor that feels sophisticated yet comforting, like the chocolate oranges we used to crack open as kids or the bright, citrusy desserts served at family gatherings. These cookies take all of that nostalgia and wrap it up into a fudgy, decadent treat.
Why You’ll Love Ultimate Orange Fudge Cookies
Bold Flavor: The combination of orange extract and fresh zest ensures every bite bursts with citrusy brightness, perfectly complementing the deep cocoa base.
Fudgy Texture: Thanks to the soft butter and cocoa powder, these cookies have a rich, almost brownie-like texture that’s completely irresistible.
Easy to Make: The straightforward recipe makes them a breeze to whip up, whether you’re prepping for a party or just indulging in some seasonal baking therapy.
Customizable: Want an even stronger orange flavor? Let the dough rest overnight for a more intense infusion—it’s worth the wait!
Ultimate Orange Fudge Cookies
Ingredients
2 (16 Tbsp) sticks of unsalted soft butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ tsp of pure orange extract
2 eggs
1 cup cocoa powder
2 ¼ cups All purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 (10 oz) bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Fresh zest of 2 oranges (2 Tbsp)
1/2 bag of milk chocolate chips
1 Tbsp of canola oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Add 2 sticks of soft butter to the mixer with a paddle attachment and beat until lighter in color and fluffy.
Add 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp of orange extract, and 2 eggs, into a mixer with the paddle attachment and cream together until light and fluffy.
Finley zest the two oranges into the wet mixture and then mix just until combined.
Add 1 cup cocoa powder to the wet ingredients and mix well.
In a separate bowl add 2 ¼ cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¾ tsp salt and mix.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture until combined, don't over mix.
Add in 1 bag of mini chocolate chips to the dough just until it's combined.
Using a small cookie scoop add the dough to a parchment lined baking sheet.
You can bake the cookies now or for more of an orange flavor I let the dough sit in the refrigerator overnight for a more orange forward cookie. If you do let the dough sit overnight make sure to let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping it onto baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes.
Let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes then transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack.
Zest 2 oranges and place the zest in an air fryer and air fry at the lowest heat for 5 minutes to dry them out a bit. You can also place them in the oven at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the zest so it doesn't burn! Set it aside to cool.
Melt 1/2 bag of milk chocolate chips at 40% power for 1 minute stirring at 30 seconds. Add 1 Tbsp of canola oil and stir well.
Once your cookies have cooled completely, dip 1/2 of the cookies in the chocolate and then sprinkle with the fresh orange zest!
Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Orange Fudge Cookies
Maximize Orange Flavor: Use fresh, high-quality oranges for zesting. The natural oils in the zest are what give these cookies their vibrant citrus flavor.
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: If time allows, chilling the dough overnight enhances the orange flavor and improves the texture. Just remember to let it warm up slightly before baking.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are fudgy, so they might look a little underdone when you take them out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to set.
Mini Chocolate Chips for the Win: Using mini chocolate chips ensures that every bite is packed with melty chocolate goodness without overpowering the orange flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they’re also amazing with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of mulled wine. For an extra festive touch, drizzle them with a simple orange glaze or dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate.
Holiday Elegance in Every Bite
Chocolate and orange is a flavor duo that feels as at home in a fancy holiday spread as it does in a cozy family gathering. These ultimate orange fudge cookies bring that timeless elegance to your cookie jar, delighting both kids and adults alike. So, preheat your oven, grab some oranges, and let’s bake up a batch of cookies that will fill your home with warmth, love, and the irresistible aroma of chocolate and citrus. Happy baking!
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