Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies (Egg-Free / Eggless)
These Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a delicious, buttery, and citrusy snack. Made without eggs, this easy-to-make shortbread recipe is perfect for vegetarians and those with egg allergies. Infused with fresh orange zest and complemented by a rich chocolate dip, these cookies are both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you’re preparing them for a tea party, a special occasion, or just as an everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (room temperature) | 1 cup |
| Caster Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dark Chocolate (semi-sweet) | 200 grams |
| Hazelnuts (toasted and powdered, or cashew nuts) | 1/2 cup |
Prep Time
80 minutes (includes refrigerating dough)
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
125 minutes (2 hours and 5 minutes)
Servings
6 servings
Cuisine
Continental
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian, Egg-Free
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by sifting together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Set it aside.
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Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of caster sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies.
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Add Flavors: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until the zest is evenly distributed, giving your cookies a refreshing citrus fragrance.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Shape the Dough: Once the dough comes together, shape it into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it is uniform in thickness for even baking.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough disk in cling film and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is essential, as it helps the dough firm up and results in a crisp, perfect texture once baked.
Baking the Cookies
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Preheat the Oven: After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Cut and Arrange: Once the dough is firm, remove it from the fridge and unwrap it. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into your desired shape. Arrange the cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
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Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking.
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Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will ensure they become crisp and cool down properly before dipping.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce
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Prepare the Chocolate: Finely chop 200 grams of semi-sweet dark chocolate. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method or in the microwave. Stir intermittently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Dip the Cookies: Dip one end of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate. Ensure that the chocolate coating is even, but not too thick.
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Add Hazelnut or Cashew Coating: Immediately after dipping the cookies in chocolate, sprinkle the powdered hazelnuts (or cashew nuts) on both sides of the chocolate-coated part of the cookie. This adds texture and enhances the flavor with a nutty crunch.
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Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped cookies on a wire rack and let the chocolate set. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring the chocolate hardens perfectly.
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Store the Cookies: Once the chocolate has fully set, store your Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days and make an excellent tea-time snack.
Tips for Perfect Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest rather than bottled orange extract. This will give your cookies a brighter and more aromatic citrus note.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is essential for the cookies’ texture. It helps solidify the butter, making the dough easier to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Customize the Chocolate: If you’re a fan of white chocolate or milk chocolate, feel free to swap the dark chocolate for your preferred type. Each option will add a slightly different flavor to the cookies.
- Nut Variations: Hazelnuts are traditionally used in this recipe, but feel free to substitute them with cashew nuts, almonds, or even finely chopped walnuts for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Why You’ll Love These Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies
These Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies are a perfect balance of buttery richness, citrus brightness, and sweet chocolate indulgence. The crisp texture of shortbread combined with the orange zest creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The chocolate dip adds an extra layer of sophistication and flavor, making these cookies ideal for special occasions or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering or as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these egg-free delights!
