Chocolate and orange cookies

Chocolate and Orange Cookies – an irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion! This simple and quick recipe will guide you step by step through the process of creating aromatic cookies, with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior, enriched with decadent chocolate and fresh citrus notes. Start your culinary adventure and enjoy the final result!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 1 packet (10 g) baking powder
- 125 g butter, at room temperature
- 150 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 100 g dark or milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Sifting the flour with the baking powder is essential to avoid lumps. Put the flour and baking powder in a large bowl, mix well, and set aside.

2. In another bowl, add the diced butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, mix until you achieve a creamy and fluffy consistency. It's important that the butter is at room temperature for optimal integration.

3. Add the egg and continue mixing until well combined. This is the moment to add the orange zest, which will bring a vibrant flavor to the cookies.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

5. Fold in the chopped chocolate into the dough. If you want cookies with an even more intense orange flavor, now is the time to add 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice, but be careful not to make the dough too wet.

6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

7. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared tray, leaving enough space between them to expand while baking.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden at the edges. Do not leave them too long, as they should remain soft inside.

9. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial, as the cookies will continue to harden as they cool.

Serving suggestions:
Chocolate and orange cookies are delicious when served warm, but they are just as good at room temperature. They can be accompanied by a cup of green tea or a creamy cappuccino. Also, for a gourmet experience, you can drizzle them with some melted chocolate or orange syrup for a more appealing look.

Variations:
- Replace the chocolate with nuts or dried fruit for a different texture.
- Experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or ginger, to add an interesting twist.

Now that you have the complete recipe, all that's left is to put on your apron and start making these delicious cookies! Enjoy every bite and savor the wonderful aroma of fresh oranges and chocolate. Bon appétit!