Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies Recipe (Egg-Free)
Nothing captures the essence of a perfect tea-time treat quite like the delightful combination of citrus and chocolate. Our Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies Recipe offers a rich, buttery melt-in-the-mouth texture with the zesty twist of orange and the decadence of dark chocolate. Best of all, this recipe is egg-free, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians or those avoiding eggs. With simple, everyday ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are versatile enough for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Caster Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 1 teaspoon |
Chocolate Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate (semi-sweet) | 200 grams |
| Hazelnuts (toasted & powdered) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 80 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
| Nutrient | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture and blend well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing as this can affect the cookie texture.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a 1/4-inch thick disk. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and place it on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm it up. This step is crucial to achieving the buttery, crumbly texture of perfect shortbread cookies.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and cut it into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. You can also shape the cookies by hand if preferred.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies turn a light golden color around the edges.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Finely chop the dark chocolate and melt it using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir the chocolate intermittently until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
- Dip one end of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is coated generously.
- Immediately sprinkle the powdered hazelnuts (or substitute with cashew nuts) over the chocolate-coated portion for added flavor and crunch.
- Place the cookies back on the wire rack and allow the chocolate to harden completely.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chocolate has set, your Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies are ready to serve. These cookies are perfect for:
- Tea parties – A wonderful accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Kids’ snacks – A wholesome treat without artificial ingredients.
- Holiday treats – A beautiful addition to festive cookie platters.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
With its vibrant citrus notes and velvety chocolate finish, this recipe is a timeless favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. Customize the flavor profile by swapping hazelnuts with almonds or omitting the chocolate entirely for a classic shortbread experience. Bake a batch today and share the love with family and friends!
