Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies | Easy Recipe

Craving a treat that’s both decadent and delightfully zesty?

Look no further! These Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies are ridiculously easy to make, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with rich chocolate and bright orange – it’s pure happiness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy orange.
• Incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Vegan-friendly and suitable for various dietary needs.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple sweet craving.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

These Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies uses freshly squeezed orange juice and zest to infuse a vibrant citrus flavor throughout each cookie, not just a hint of it. The combination of melted vegan chocolate and cocoa powder provides a double dose of chocolatey goodness, and the touch of sea salt enhances all the flavors, creating a truly irresistible treat that will not taste like many other chocolate orange treats!

Ingredient List

• 1/2 cup (113g) vegan butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 medium orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170g) vegan chocolate chips or chunks (Key ingredient for that melty, gooey texture!)
• Optional: Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (Enhances the sweetness and chocolate notes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips or chunks.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired, before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take these cookies to the next level? Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
• Candied Orange Peel: Add a touch of elegance by topping the cookies with small pieces of candied orange peel before baking.
• Chopped Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for best results. This helps the butter mix properly with the sugars.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Underbake the cookies slightly for a soft and chewy center. They will continue to cook as they cool.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This prevents them from breaking when transferring them to the wire rack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the orange juice? Yes, you can use fresh clementine or tangerine juice for a similar flavor, or use water if you don’t have fresh juice on hand, but the flavour will not be as intense.
• Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but it will still work well.
• How long do the cookies last? They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and personalize your cookies! Here are some ideas to try:

• Mint Chocolate Orange: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive twist.
• Spicy Chocolate Orange: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice that complements the citrus and chocolate.
• Double Chocolate Orange: Use extra chocolate chips or use both dark and milk vegan chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are fantastic on their own with a glass of plant-based milk or a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also perfect for gifting, bringing to parties, or including in a dessert platter. Try crumbling them over vegan ice cream or using them to make mini cookie sandwiches with vegan frosting.

Conclusion

These Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser – easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a symphony of chocolate and citrus in every soft, chewy bite. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creations with me! Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes. Happy Baking!