Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that captures the nostalgic magic of everyone’s favorite holiday chocolate, look no further than Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies. These cookies are boldly zesty, irresistibly chocolatey, and have the perfect soft-chewy texture that makes them almost impossible to resist. Each bite is a delightful whirl of buttery dough, bursts of real orange, and those iconic chocolate orange chunks that melt into gooey puddles. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies is in their simple, familiar ingredients—each one playing a starring role to create that unmistakable Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies flavor. From the brightness of fresh orange zest to the rich, creamy chocolate, every element brings its own magic to the mix.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Ensures each cookie is wonderfully rich and tender; room temperature butter blends seamlessly for the softest crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a caramel depth that pairs beautifully with orange and chocolate.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with that classic cookie texture.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the dough together and provide structure for a soft, chewy bite.
- Orange Zest (2 teaspoons): The secret to that fresh, zippy flavor—use fresh zest for the best results!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and enhances the aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Gives the cookies their perfect body and classic crumb.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, soft chew.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds subtle warmth—optional, but highly recommended for a cozy twist.
- Chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange (1 cup, about 1 large ball): The star ingredient—these iconic chocolate orange segments create melty pockets in every bite.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, optional): For even more chocolatey goodness, toss in a handful of chips.
How to Make Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly, with no sticking or over-browning on the bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and looks irresistibly creamy. This step is key for that soft, bakery-style texture you love in Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Orange Zest, and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract, making sure everything is evenly distributed. The fresh orange zest will fill your kitchen with a citrusy aroma that’s downright joyful!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the optional cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly mixed, so each cookie bakes up perfectly spiced and soft.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Now, gently fold in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces and, if you’re feeling extra, toss in those semi-sweet chocolate chips. The dough will be studded with irresistible chocolate orange bits.
Step 6: Scoop, Bake, and Enjoy
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. For that bakery-style look and an extra flavor punch, press a piece of Terry’s Chocolate Orange onto the top of each dough ball. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle your still-warm cookies with a touch of extra orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can even drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top for a bakery-worthy look. Each of these garnishes enhances the citrus-chocolate magic of Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolute perfection alongside a steaming mug of tea, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. For a more grown-up treat, pair them with espresso or even a rich dessert wine. The flavors also complement a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack the cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment and tie it with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. Arrange them on a platter with fresh orange slices and chocolate curls for a festive cookie tray. Or, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a segment of Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the side for an elegant, restaurant-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking all week long or packing into lunchboxes.
Freezing
To freeze, let your cookies cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls, making it easy to bake up a fresh batch whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating
For that “just-baked” taste, pop leftover cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2–3 minutes or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back the gooey chocolate and fresh-from-the-oven aroma, making every bite feel special again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While nothing beats the nostalgic flavor of Terry’s Chocolate Orange in these cookies, you can substitute with any orange-flavored chocolate you love. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces to mimic the classic texture.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
It’s not required, but if you want slightly thicker, chewier cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavors even more.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still be packed with that signature Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and only zest the bright orange part of the peel. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter. Fresh zest is essential for that vibrant citrus kick in every cookie.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure to mix in batches if your bowl isn’t big enough, and enjoy twice as many Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies to share (or stash away for yourself!).
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones, it’s time to bake up a batch of Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies. They’re a joyful blend of nostalgia, citrus, and chocolate that always brings smiles. Give them a try—you just might discover your new favorite cookie!
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Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cookies are a delightful fusion of zesty orange and rich chocolate flavors, baked into soft, chewy cookies perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence. These cookies combine the classic taste of Terry’s Chocolate Orange with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla for a uniquely festive dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange (about 1 large segment ball)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with bright citrus and warm vanilla flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices for a well-balanced cookie.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Orange: Gently fold in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces and semi-sweet chocolate chips, if using, to scatter delicious chocolate and orange chunks throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set, ensuring a chewy yet cooked-through texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps set their shape.
Notes
- For extra flavor and visual appeal, press a piece of Terry’s Chocolate Orange onto the top of each cookie before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness.
- Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
