There is something utterly magical about the combination of chocolate and orange, and these Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Delicious and Festive Treat Recipe capture that magic perfectly. Soft and chewy, with bursts of citrusy zest and rich chocolate in every bite, these cookies are not only a delight for your taste buds but also a joyful way to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet citrus twist, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating those perfect cookies — from the creamy butter that gives softness to the sugar that adds just the right sweetness, to the bright orange zest that lifts the flavor and the iconic chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange bits providing moments of melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Ensures a rich, tender crumb with a lovely buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread slightly for the ideal texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and helps the cookies rise just enough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Injects a fresh, zesty citrus punch that makes these cookies uniquely festive.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookies together with the perfect balance of softness and chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies to rise and gives them a light, tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweet and citrus flavors by balancing the taste.
- 1 cup chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments: The star ingredient providing melty chocolate and that signature orange flavor in every bite.
How to Make Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Delicious and Festive Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet with ease after baking, saving you any stickiness or frustration later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key — it incorporates air into the dough, helping create that tender yet chewy cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest until everything is well combined. The orange zest here is the secret punch of flavor that makes these cookies feel so bright and festive, perfectly complementing the chocolate pieces to come.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed, so your cookies rise consistently and have balanced flavor through every bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this point — overworking the dough can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange
Gently fold in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments, making sure each delightful piece is evenly distributed throughout the dough. These chocolate-orange chunks melt into pockets of gooey goodness during baking, creating that special treat everyone will adore.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra touch of festive sparkle, gently press a small piece of Terry’s Chocolate Orange on top of each cookie before popping them into the oven. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes — this helps them set without breaking apart — then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Watching those chocolate bits soften and the aroma of orange fill your kitchen is the best reward before enjoying your first bite.
How to Serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Delicious and Festive Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive look and flavor boost, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the warm cookies just after baking. The salty-sweet contrast makes the chocolate and orange flavors pop even more. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or a rich mug of cocoa. For an adult twist, try serving them alongside a glass of orange liqueur or a warm mulled wine to echo the citrus notes and make your gathering feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Delicious and Festive Treat Recipe on a holiday-themed platter topped with fresh orange slices and sprigs of mint for color and aroma. Wrapping individual cookies in festive cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon also makes an irresistible gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 5 days. If you like your cookies softer, placing a slice of fresh orange or a piece of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This way, you preserve their fresh-baked flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth and gooey chocolate feel, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This quick reheat melts the chocolate pieces perfectly without drying out the cookie base, making every bite taste fresh and indulgent.
FAQs
Can I substitute Terry’s Chocolate Orange with regular chocolate?
While regular chocolate can work, using Terry’s Chocolate Orange is what truly makes this recipe special. The orange flavor infused in every segment gives the cookies their signature festive zest and balance you won’t get with plain chocolate.
What’s the best way to zest an orange for this recipe?
Use a microplane or fine grater and only grate the bright orange part of the peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter. Fresh orange zest adds the most vibrant flavor to your cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg replacer instead of the egg, and choose a dairy-free chocolate orange or vegan-friendly chocolate chips. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How thick will the cookies be if I chill the dough?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking slows spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. This step is perfect if you prefer a more substantial, less flat cookie.
Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted almonds or pistachios complement the chocolate and orange beautifully and add a satisfying crunch. Just fold them in along with the chocolate segments during the final mixing step.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough diving into this Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies: A Delicious and Festive Treat Recipe, especially when you want to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and the people you bake for. The blend of citrus and silky chocolate tucked into a tender cookie makes it a showstopper for holidays or any cozy afternoon. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on your repeat list year-round!
