Exquisite Orange Shortbread Cookies with Decadent Chocolate Cardamom Filling: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat!
Prepare to fall in love with these utterly delightful orange shortbread cookies, a true masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of rich, buttery goodness, vibrant zesty orange, and an unexpectedly decadent chocolate cardamom filling. These are not just any shortbread cookies; they are a gourmet experience designed to impress and enchant. The simple yet exquisite orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making them visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Whether you’re planning your festive Christmas cookie boxes, looking for a show-stopping treat for holiday gatherings, or simply craving a sophisticated dessert any time of year, these orange shortbread cookies are an absolute must-make. Their elegant presentation and complex flavor profile ensure they’ll be the star of any cookie exchange and leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes them. If you adore the classic combination of chocolate and orange, you’ll also adore my chocolate orange cheesecake, and for more festive baking inspiration, don’t miss these incredible Christmas thumbprint cookies.
🍊 Why you’ll LOVE this recipe
These Orange Shortbread Cookies aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why they’re destined to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Authentic Orange Flavor: Unlike artificial essences, these cookies burst with genuine, vibrant orange flavor derived from fresh zest in the shortbread dough and pure orange juice in the delightful glaze. Every element is infused with the bright, citrusy notes of real oranges, creating a refreshing and uplifting taste that beautifully complements the rich chocolate.
- Irresistible Texture: Prepare for a truly melt-in-your-mouth sensation. These shortbread cookies boast a classic buttery, tender, and perfectly crisp texture that’s characteristic of well-made shortbread. The slight chewiness from the glaze and the creamy filling add layers of textural delight, making each bite an absolute dream.
- Decadent Chocolate Cardamom Filling: What sets these cookies apart is their luxurious, silky-smooth chocolate ganache filling, elevated with a hint of aromatic cardamom. The subtle, warm spice of cardamom harmonizes exquisitely with both the rich chocolate and the bright orange, transforming a simple chocolate filling into something truly extraordinary and gourmet. This unexpected spice note adds depth and sophistication.
- Surprisingly Easy, Impressively Elegant: Don’t let their gourmet appearance fool you. This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy to follow, utilizing minimal, readily available ingredients. Despite its simplicity in preparation, the final result is a cookie that looks like it came straight from a high-end patisserie. They’re perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to create something special without undue effort.
📝 Key Ingredients for Perfect Orange Shortbread Cookies
Mastering these cookies starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Read through for all the tips you will need for success!
Full steps and ingredients in recipe card below.
- Butter: In shortbread, butter isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the star. A high-quality, unsalted butter is paramount as it forms the very foundation of the cookie’s flavor. Its rich, creamy essence shines through, defining the shortbread experience. Avoid using salted butter, as it can make your cookies overly salty and, more importantly, its higher moisture content can lead to a tougher, less tender cookie texture. Softened butter is key for proper creaming with sugar.
- Oranges: These cookies celebrate the glorious flavor of fresh oranges! The finely grated zest from two large oranges is folded directly into the cookie dough, ensuring a vibrant, aromatic burst of citrus in every bite. Freshly squeezed orange juice is then used to craft the luscious glaze, delivering a bright, tangy finish. Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like blood oranges for a beautiful color or even limes for a different zesty kick. If you’re a fan of citrus shortbread, you might also love my tangy lemon shortbread cookies.
- Egg Yolk: While many classic shortbread recipes omit eggs, the addition of a single egg yolk in this recipe is a deliberate choice. Since we introduce a touch of orange juice into the dough, the egg yolk acts as a binder, helping to maintain that delicate, tender-crisp texture we crave in shortbread. It also imparts a subtle, inviting yellow-orange tint to the cookies, enhancing their visual appeal.
- Chocolate: The heart of the decadent filling! I opted for semisweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness that complements the orange without overpowering it. However, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. If you prefer a more intense chocolate experience, chopped dark chocolate (around 60-70% cacao) works beautifully. For a sweeter, creamier ganache, milk chocolate can also be used. Always choose a good quality chocolate, as it significantly impacts the smoothness and richness of your ganache.
- All-Purpose Flour: Accuracy in flour measurement is crucial for shortbread, which relies on a precise ratio of fat to flour for its characteristic texture. For the most consistent results, I highly recommend weighing your flour using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, properly measure by fluffing the flour in its bag, then spooning it gently into your measuring cup without packing it down. Level off the excess with the flat edge of a knife. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
- Cardamom: Although optional, a hint of ground cardamom is truly the secret ingredient that elevates the chocolate ganache from good to extraordinary. Its warm, citrusy, and slightly floral notes create a complex and inviting aroma that perfectly bridges the gap between the rich chocolate and the bright orange flavors. It’s a sophisticated spice that adds a gourmet touch and makes these cookies truly unique.
👩🍳 How to Make Exquisite Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies
Orange Shortbread Cookie Dough Step by Step
Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Orange. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the freshly grated orange zest. Using your fingertips, gently rub the zest into the sugar. This crucial step releases the essential oils from the orange zest, infusing the sugar with a deep, fragrant citrus aroma and ensuring every part of the cookie dough carries that bright orange flavor. Continue rubbing until the sugar feels moist and intensely aromatic.
Step 2: Cream the Butter. Add the softened unsalted butter and sea salt to the fragrant orange sugar mixture. Using an electric mixer (stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes visibly light, fluffy, and creamy. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the shortbread’s tender texture. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula periodically to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients. Into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the single large egg yolk, the freshly squeezed orange juice, and the pure vanilla extract. Beat these new additions thoroughly until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The egg yolk helps bind the dough and contributes to a beautiful golden hue, while the orange juice further intensifies the citrus notes, ensuring a rich, complex flavor in every cookie.
Step 4: Form the Dough. Sift the all-purpose flour directly into the same bowl containing the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the flour into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix; mix just until a thick, cohesive cookie dough forms and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough shortbread. The dough will be firm but pliable.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies. Lightly dust your countertop or a large piece of parchment paper with flour. Place the dough on top, and use a flour-dusted rolling pin to roll it out evenly to approximately ¼ inch (about 6mm) thick. To prevent sticking, you can keep a piece of parchment paper under the dough. Using your preferred round cookie cutter (a linzer cookie cutter is great for this!), cut out your cookie shapes. For the sandwich style, cut star shapes or small holes from the centers of half of the cookies. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
Step 6: Chill and Bake. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Shortbread cookies don’t spread much, but a little space is good. Place the entire baking sheet into the freezer for 10 minutes while your oven preheats to 320°F (160°C). Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape perfectly and ensures a wonderfully crisp texture. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The key to tender shortbread is not to overbake; they should remain pale on top. Once baked, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Cardamom Ganache Filling Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ganache Base. Place your semisweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate) into a medium heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy whipping cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer and small bubbles appear around the edges. Watch it closely to prevent it from boiling over. Once simmering, immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate in the bowl. Without stirring, sprinkle the ground cardamom and a pinch of sea salt on top. Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let it rest undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. This allows the hot cream to melt the chocolate thoroughly.
Step 2: Whisk and Thicken. After the resting period, uncover the bowl and use a whisk to gently stir the chocolate mixture from the center outwards. Continue whisking until the ganache is completely smooth, glossy, and creamy. For a spreadable consistency, ideal for filling cookies, pop the bowl into the freezer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it thickens sufficiently. Be careful not to let it set too hard.
Orange Glaze and Assembly Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Glaze. In a medium bowl, place the powdered sugar. Begin adding freshly squeezed orange juice, starting with 1 tablespoon at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition until you achieve a smooth, pourable, yet thick enough consistency that will coat a spoon and hold its shape slightly. The goal is a glaze that is thin enough for dipping but thick enough to set nicely on the cookies. Adjust the amount of orange juice as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 2: Glaze the Cookies. Take the half of your baked shortbread cookies that have the cut-out centers. Dip the top surface of each cut-out cookie into the prepared orange glaze. Gently scrape any excess glaze off the bottom edge of the cookie against the rim of the bowl to prevent drips. Place the glazed cookies, glaze-side up, on a piece of parchment paper or a wire cooling rack. Allow the glaze to set and harden completely, which typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the humidity.
Step 3: Fill with Ganache. Once your chocolate ganache has reached a lovely, spreadable consistency, remove it from the freezer. If it has become too firm, you can warm it gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften it slightly. Take a whole, unglazed shortbread cookie (the bottom piece of your sandwich). Place about a teaspoon of the luscious chocolate cardamom ganache onto its flat bottom surface, spreading it almost to the edges.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve. Carefully place one of the glazed cookies with the cut-out center on top of the ganache-filled whole cookie. Gently press down to create a beautiful sandwich cookie, allowing the ganache to spread slightly to the edges. Ensure the two halves are perfectly aligned for a clean, professional look. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ganache. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment. These chocolate orange shortbread cookies are best enjoyed when the ganache is soft and creamy – pure bliss!
✔️ Expert Shortbread Cookie Tips for Perfection
Achieving bakery-quality shortbread is easier than you think with these professional tips:
- Always Use High-Quality Unsalted Butter: As the primary flavor component, the quality of your butter truly dictates the taste of your shortbread. Opt for a good European-style unsalted butter for the richest, purest buttery flavor. Unsalted butter also gives you control over the salt content.
- Chill the Cookie Dough Religiously: This is a non-negotiable step for perfectly shaped shortbread. Chilling the cut-out cookies in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before baking prevents them from spreading excessively in the oven, ensuring crisp edges and a wonderfully tender interior. This also makes them easier to handle.
- Store Assembled Cookies in a Single Layer: To preserve the pristine appearance of your beautiful sandwich cookies and prevent the chocolate ganache from smudging or sticking to other cookies, always store them in a single layer in an airtight container. If you must stack, separate layers with parchment paper.
- Achieve the Right Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze is key for both aesthetics and taste. If your orange glaze is too thick, it will be difficult to dip the cookies evenly, resulting in a clumpy finish. If it’s too thin, it won’t set properly or provide enough flavor. Add orange juice gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, dippable consistency that lightly coats the back of a spoon.
- Do Not Overbake Your Shortbread: Unlike many cookies that benefit from golden-brown edges, shortbread is traditionally baked until it’s just set and still quite pale, with only the very bottoms turning a faint golden. Overbaking leads to a dry, hard, and crumbly texture rather than the desired tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time!
- Measure Flour Accurately: Shortbread is sensitive to ingredient ratios. Too much flour can result in a dry, dense cookie. Always weigh your flour with a kitchen scale for the most precise measurement. If measuring by volume, spoon the flour lightly into the cup and level it off without packing.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Dough: Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at true room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly with the sugar, creating an emulsified, cohesive dough that results in a smoother texture and better overall cookie structure.
🥄 Make Ahead and Storage for Convenience
These exquisite orange shortbread cookies are surprisingly versatile when it comes to make-ahead preparation and storage, making them perfect for busy holiday seasons or simply enjoying throughout the week.
- Storing Assembled Cookies: For optimal freshness and to keep the ganache firm and the cookies crisp, store the fully glazed and filled cookies in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Arranging them in a single layer is best to prevent the chocolate ganache from smudging or pressing against other cookies before it’s thoroughly chilled and firm.
- Make Ahead Baking: If you’re planning for a special occasion, you can bake the shortbread cookies ahead of time without the filling or glaze. Once completely cooled, store the plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Then, assemble and fill them with the chocolate ganache and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
- Dough Storage: The unbaked cookie dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 2-3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
- Filled Cookie Storage at Room Temperature: While refrigeration is preferred for the ganache, assembled cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight bag or container for up to one day, especially if your home is cool. However, for longer storage and to maintain crispness, the fridge is recommended.
❔ Can You Use Other Delicious Filling Options?
Absolutely! While the chocolate cardamom ganache is undeniably divine, the beauty of these orange shortbread cookies lies in their versatility. The buttery, zesty shortbread base pairs wonderfully with a variety of fillings. If you’re looking to customize or perhaps aren’t a fan of the chocolate-orange combination, here are some delightful alternatives to intrigue your taste buds:
(You can also opt to omit the filling altogether for a quicker, simpler cookie, perhaps just dusting them with powdered sugar!)
- Lemon Curd: For another vibrant citrus explosion, a tangy lemon curd offers a delightful contrast to the sweet orange shortbread, creating a bright and refreshing flavor profile.
- Raspberry Curd: The sweet-tart notes of raspberry curd would be a beautiful complement to the orange, adding a fruity burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color.
- Orange Marmalade: Double down on the orange! A good quality orange marmalade would intensify the citrus flavor and provide a lovely, slightly textured filling.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For a different kind of rich chocolate experience, Nutella or a similar chocolate hazelnut spread would offer a nutty, creamy, and universally loved flavor.
- Various Jams: Don’t limit yourself! Classic fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry would also make excellent fillings, allowing you to tailor the cookies to your personal preferences or seasonal availability.
And remember, if you prefer not to use the orange glaze, a simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the cookies (especially the ones with cut-outs) can create an equally elegant and delicious finish!
📖 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you absolutely can! The chocolate ganache filling is quite stable and doesn’t tend to make the shortbread cookies soggy as they sit. For the absolute crispiest shortbread, it’s ideal to fill them just before serving. However, if convenience is key, feel free to fill them up to a day in advance. Always store the filled cookies in the refrigerator to help them maintain their crispness and keep the ganache firm.
Indeed, you can! The shortbread base is wonderfully adaptable to various citrus flavors. This recipe was inspired by my popular lemon shortbread cookies, which demonstrate how beautifully other citrus works. You could easily substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a different tangy twist. Blood oranges would also be a fantastic choice, lending a beautiful rosy hue and a slightly berry-like citrus flavor.
Yes, of course! These orange shortbread cookies are incredibly delicious on their own. If you prefer a simpler, classic shortbread, feel free to omit both the chocolate cardamom filling and the orange glaze from the recipe. They will still deliver a rich, buttery, and zesty experience that is perfectly satisfying. A light dusting of powdered sugar can be added for a traditional touch.
The ground cardamom in the chocolate filling is entirely optional, but highly recommended for an elevated, gourmet flavor. It adds warm, subtly spiced notes that create a magnificent synergy with both the rich chocolate and the bright orange. It’s one of my favorite flavor combinations for a reason! If you’re not a fan of cardamom, you can simply omit it, or substitute it with a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a different kind of warmth. If you discover a love for cardamom, you should definitely try my cardamom orange cinnamon rolls!
🍊 More Related Recipes to Explore
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
- Orange Cinnamon Rolls
- Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Did you make this recipe? I would love for you to rate this recipe and hear what you think in the comments below! Share your creation on Instagram and tag @flouringkitchen. Follow me on Pinterestto save and for more recipe ideas.
📖 Recipe
Orange Shortbread Cookies
Mary
Pin Recipe
Shop Ingredients
Equipment
-
large cookie sheet
-
Rolling Pin
-
parchment paper
-
linzer cookie cutter
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookie Dough
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large oranges zested
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3 cups all purpose flour 360g
Chocolate ganache filling
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate about ¾ cups
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream about 32-35%
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom optional
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Orange cookie glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons orange juice squeezed from the zested oranges, as needed
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter
Instructions
Shortbread Cookies
-
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine grated orange zest and sugar. Rub together with your fingers until moist and fragrant.½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large oranges
-
Add the softened butter and salt into the sugar mixture. Beat until light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl.1 cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon sea salt
-
Add the egg yolk, orange juice, and vanilla extract into the cookie dough mixture. Beat well to combine.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 large egg yolk
-
Sift the flour right into the same bowl. Fold the mixture to make a thick cookie dough. Stop folding when it comes together.3 cups all purpose flour
-
Flatten the cookie dough onto a piece of parchment paper to help prevent sticking. Dust a rolling pin lightly with flour and roll the cookie dough to about ¼” thick.
-
Cut out round cookies using a round cookie cutter. I love using this linzer cookie cutter. Cut out star shapes or holes from the middles of half of the cookies. Reroll the scraps to cut out more cookies.
-
Place cut out cookies onto a parchment lined or non stick baking sheet. They will barely spread in the oven so you can keep them about ½” apart. Chill the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes while preheating the oven to 320°F (160°C).
-
Bake them for 15-18 minutes, until the bottoms are barely golden. You don’t want them to brown! Bake in batches and let them cool on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Ganache
-
Place chocolate ganache or chopped chocolate into a medium heatsafe bowl. Heat the cream in saucepan until simmering and bubbling – keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t boil over!4 oz semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
-
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Add cardamom and salt on top. Don’t mix it! Cover with a plate and allow to rest for about 8-10 minutes.½ cup heavy whipping cream, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
-
Uncover the bowl and whisk the chocolate mixture together until smooth and creamy. Pop it in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to thicken to a spreadable consistency.
Orange Glaze and Assembly
-
Add powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add freshly squeezed orange juice 1 tablespoon at a time to get a dippable glaze consistency.1 cup powdered sugar, 2-4 tablespoons orange juice
-
Dip the tops of the cut out cookies with the middles cut out into the glaze. Scrape any excess glaze off the top on the edge of the bowl. Place glaze side up on a piece of parchment paper or cooling rack to set and harden.
-
Once the ganache is a spreadable consistency, remove it from the freezer. If it’s too firm, pop it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm up slightly. Add about a teaspoon of ganache onto the bottom of a whole cookie.
-
Top ganache with a glazed cut out cookie and press down well. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Storage: Store the glazed and filled cookies in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Use good quality real butter
- Chill the cookie dough
- Store the cookies in a single layer
- Don’t make the glaze too thick
- Don’t over bake the cookies
Filling Options:
- Lemon curd
- Raspberry curd
- Orange marmalade
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Jams – like raspberry or apricot
Nutrition
We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and tasting these exquisite Orange Shortbread Cookies with their luxurious chocolate cardamom filling. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can yield truly spectacular results. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in a moment of pure bliss with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!