After double, these cookies could only be improved by making them triple; perhaps a drizzle or dunk of white chocolate on each. As they stand however, my Double Chocolate and Orange Cookies are just splendid as they are. Especially straight from the oven. The smell as they bake is hard to beat. I like to use dark chocolate when making cookies as sweet as these because I think it adds some welcome bitterness. When it comes to rolling the cookies, for reasons I am not sure of, I always seem to manage to end up with thirteen; a perfect baker’s dozen.
Ingredients
You will need (for thirteen, or fourteen if you prefer, cookies):
- 100g margarine
- 150g butter
- 250g light muscovado sugar
- 2 eggs
- 325g plain flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 100g dark chocolate with orange, broken into small pieces
- Zest 1 large orange
Method
In a mixer (or by hand if you’re feeling strong) cream the margarine and butter together then add the sugar and continue to mix together until light and creamy. Don’t rush this step, it’s important that the butter and sugar get properly fluffy.
Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl then add these to the butter mix (with the mixer going) a little at the time until combined.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together then gently mix this into the dough with the salt.
Mix the chocolate and orange zest into the dough then refrigerate for around 30 minutes.
Preheat an oven to 220C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
Divide the dough into fourteen (roughly) pieces then roll each one into a ball; they should be about the same size as a golf ball.
Place each cookie onto the lined baking trays leaving room for them to spread. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Leave to cool slightly before removing from the tray.
I actually quite like that the cookies end up touching at the edges when they spread out on the tray; they break apart very easily once baked. These cookies are, of course, at their very best when fresh from the oven so they are still gooey and the chocolate is all melted. Chocolate and orange are always excellent together and served alongside a hot cup of coffee there’s not much else you could need on a Saturday afternoon.
I always love the combo of orange and chocolate. These giant cookies look divine!
Yes, I also agree- chocolate and orange are a perfect combo! It’s unusual to see margarine and butter combined together in one recipe- usually I see 100% butter being used for cookies. But obviously it works!!
I like using both butter and margarine as I think it gives it a more doughy texture, 100% butter would be fine to use too!
I like the addition of orange, I can imagine how tasty these must be! Feeling hungry right now
Chocolate and orange is a winning combination! Reminds me of Terry’s chocolate oranges from York!
I’ve made something similar once and loved it…need to make it again! Yours must have been so delicious. Wish I could have a few. : )
Chocolate and orange is my husband’s favorite combo! Boy would these make his day!
Orange and chocolate is a match made in heaven, these look delicious Caroline.
Oh wow these look so good!
Gemma x
i feel like chocolate and orange is a combination that is often overlooked, but it’s so tasty! great cookies. 🙂
I’m not a big chocolate and orange person but I love the idea of getting a perfect baker’s dozen-one for the cook of course! 😉
I am having a love affair with all cookies at the moment. And chocolate and orange has to be one of my favourite flavour combinations 🙂
Orange and chocolate…can’t loose. Double the chocolate and these are winners for sure!
Love the combo of orange and chocolate. SO good. Speaking of which, these cookies look terrific. Now, of course, you have me craving one. Or two. OK, OK, three. 🙂
Your chocolate urbane cookies look divine I think they would be perfect to serve up as a sweet bite appetizer served with a good zinfandel. Love it. Thanks for sharing.
Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine
Chocolate is my middle name! Love them!
Chocolate and orange is such a nice combination…your cookies look delicious…I would not have any problem eating a few of them.
I hope you are having a nice week Caroline 🙂
These sound delicious!
Chocolate and orange is such a winning combination and these look the business!
Cookies are always such a great treat and chocolate and orange sounds like a great combo.
Chocolate and orange is a classic combination and it looks great in these amazing cookies!
I love that you pointed out how good these smell. I’m all about baking that fills my entire home with delicious aromas!
Chocolate and orange are perfect combo that I really love. 🙂 Yummy