Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies

Please welcome Garrett as he shares the most chocolate-y of shortbread cookies. We ate them ALL. ~Elise

If you’re lucky, you have a certain special someone who surprises you with dinner when you get home and takes out the trash without being asked. Someone who instinctively knows that you can take on the world even when you’re doubting your ability to just slog out of bed in the morning and who is happy to be hugged by you even when you’re rank with sweat from the gym.

If you’re lucky, and your loved one is someone who adores chocolate, then I have the recipe for you. These chocolate shortbread cookies have a richness that’s as sweet as a kiss goodnight. A heavy dose of orange zest perfumes them making them all the more tempting (assuming you weren’t hooked by the words “chocolate” and “shortbread” already). If you’re looking for something different and chocolatey, then these are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat – or even the perfect Just Because treat – for that special someone.

Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

I like Hershey's Special Dark for this recipe as it gives baked goods a dark, nearly black color and a rich cocoa flavor. However, Ghiradelli unsweetened cocoa or any other brand will do just fine and give more prominence to the orange flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon of orange zest

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