This Chocolate Chunk Orange Shortbread is rich and buttery with a hint of orange flavor and loaded with chocolate chunks. It’s always a crowd favorite!
Oh, rich, buttery shortbread. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I haven’t shared two desserts in one week in quite a while, but it’s almost the weekend and this Chocolate Chunk Orange Shortbread is the perfect quick little baking project for your weekend. And this weekend it’s Father’s Day, so it’s all about dear old Dad! And we all know Dad never passes up a cookie, right?
These shortbread cookie wedges are one of my top go-to desserts for guests when I’m hella busy! And lately I’ve been crazy busy. Like I’ve got so much goin’ on in my head that when I walk into the next room to do something, 9 times out of 10, I forget what that something was. Ugh! Could it be age related? Possibly. But I’d rather think it had to do with being too busy, so let’s go with that, K?
The reason why I love shortbread is because it’s one of the easiest desserts ever. You only need a handful of ingredients and there’s no scooping and measuring involved. Just press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom and bake. Easy right?
I’ve packed one and a half teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest into these cookies and some coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate. The orange/chocolate combo is absolutely delicious! If you’re not familiar with the combination, you’re in for a treat. It’s just delicious!
Where did shortbread originate?
Shortbread originated in Scotland. Walkers is Scotland’s largest exporter of shortbread.
Why do you prick the top of shortbread dough with a fork?
Pricking the top of the dough with a fork allows the steam to escape, so the shortbread won’t bubble up as it bakes.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Chocolate Chunk Orange Shortbread Recipe:
I always use a high quality butter when making shortbread cookies. It makes a big difference.
I have also used mini chocolate chips for this recipe, but I prefer the bigger chocolate chunks.
Cut the shortbread into wedges while it’s still warm, so it’s easier to cut.
Shortbread is also incredibly easy to customize to your taste. Change up the kind of zest you use, add nuts, add or omit chocolate, the options are endless. Serve with a little ice cream on the side for dessert or with a tall glass of milk for an afternoon snack. Hope they become one of your favorites too. Enjoy!
If you eat gluten free, try my Gluten Free Lime Coconut Shortbread!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. freshly grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I use Ghirardelli)
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack in the middle of the oven. Lightly spray a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar and orange zest on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture, just until the dough starts to form large clumps. Stir in the chopped chocolate chunks with a wooden spoon.
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Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Using a fork, prick the entire surface of the dough about 1/4 inch deep, and about every 1/12 inches.
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Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and slice into 8 wedges while the shortbread is still warm. Cool in the pan, then remove from tart pan. Shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
I have that same age-related problem too! I hate it! I’m sure this shortbread will clear my mind right up. Looks lovely as usual!
Lol! It’s terrible, isn’t it? Thanks so much love! Hope you give it a try. Happy weekend!
Geeeez, how often do I do that? Walk into the pantry and forget what I was going in there for, lol. I think it is just too much going on in my head! Anywho, love love love shortbread too and especially orange + chocolate! These sound marvelous, Mary Ann. Perfect for dunkin’ in a tall glass of milk. Have a wonderful weekend! XO
Yes, perfect with a glass of milk Dawn! I love the chocolate orange combo. It’s always been one of my favorites! Happy weekend!
These look perfect and since my hubby is a cookie guy, I will definitely bake him up a batch. Love the chocolate orange combination :)
Awesome Jennifer! Hope y’all enjoy them!
I’ve been a shortbread sucker ever since I took the first bite of Walker’s a zillion years ago. This combination sounds fantastic!
Me too Chris! So easy to make at home too! I’m on a chocolate orange kick lately!
So relaxing, your place it is :-) Thank you !
Sounds like a plan!
Shortbread is most definitely one of life’s great pleasures! And this shortbread looks out of this world delicious, Mare!!!! The chocolate and orange combination is such a great one, I can only imagine how addictive these are! Pinning! Cheers! I hope you have a beautiful weekend, my dear! xo
Yes it is Chey! Thanks! Happy weekend to you too!
So I’m sitting here with my cup of coffee and wishing I had a slice of this gorgeous shortbread to complement my steamy cup of joe! This is a winner, my friend! I need to make this for Dom! :)
I know he’d love it Annie! Happy Father’s Day to Dom and hope you all have an awesome weekend!
Shortbread is one of my very favorite treats. (Anything buttery is one of my very favorite treats, haha!) I love your chocolate and orange twist!
Mine to Kelsie! It’s a great combo! Happy weekend!
I really like the sound of this, Mary Ann! I think it would even work for Christmas. Tasty any time, though! :)
Yes. These would be perfect for the holidays too Natasha!
So good MaryAnn! Orange and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combinations.
Mine to Matt! Thanks!
I would eat shortbread all day everyday if I could. Love how you flavored this, the hint of orange is so perfect.
You could Naomi, but I can’t!
Lovely flavor mixture! Sounds like the perfect weekend treat to go with my tea!
Perfect Jennifer!
Being forgetful is definitely a sign of being busy! It has absolutely nothing to do with age!!! ;) Now I forget what else I was going to say about that……hmmmmm :) I love the chocolate and orange combination! These look stellar!
Lol! Let’s say it’s a little of both. Deal? Thanks Kathy! Happy Friday!
I do that all the time too, Mary Ann! I’ve got a million things swirling around in my head, and as quick as I think of something I need to do, it’s gone again! This shortbread looks incredible. And great tip to cut it when it’s warm. I never would have thought to do that. Happy weekend!
Glad it’s not just me Leanne! Happy Friday!
orange + chocolate sounds like the perfect shortbread combo!
It really is Sarah! A fave here!
Oh man, I know what you mean about walking in to a room for something and completely spacing it. I do it all the time!
Shortbread is a favorite in this house and I love the idea of the orange essence and lots of chocolate chunks! So true what you said about good butter, especially for shortbreads and pie crusts – makes all the difference! These are definitely a must try!
Frustrating isn’t it Marissa?! Ugh! Hope you all enjoy them if you give them a try! Happy weekend Marissa! XO
Chocolate and orange are one of the best combinations ever. These look beautiful!
I love it too Kevin! Thanks so much! Happy Friday!
Love the flavor combination! These look so delicious!
Thanks Lindsay.
Exactly why I love shortbread too! Easy peasy with maximum butter and whatever else you throw at it! Such a delight, Mary Ann….. On the age related – Crying Emoji!! OMGeee I can have very little going on and boom – walk into a room and forget… or how about putting something in the fridge that should be in the pantry :o Beautiful work my dear!
I thought it was just me! Thanks so much Traci! Hope you have an awesome week!
You make the best shortbread and these wedges are so pretty!
Thanks Laura!