Ever wondered what happens when orange zest and chocolate chips decide to have a little rendezvous? These cookies happen. The citrusy tang of orange zest waltzes in, offering a surprising twist, while the espresso swirl adds that caffeinated kick no one really asked for—but everyone secretly craves. So, if you’re tired of the same old chocolate chip cookie and want something with a little more oomph, this recipe is for you. Get ready to impress your taste buds, or at least confuse them in the best way possible. Either way, these cookies are bound to make a statement.
Orange Zest Chocolate Chip Cookies with Espresso Swirl
Orange zest chocolate chip cookies with espresso swirl combine the bright zing of orange, decadent chocolate, and rich espresso flavor in one bite.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Espresso Swirl:
- 1 tbsp instant espresso granules
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Make Espresso Swirl: Dissolve espresso granules in hot water. Add powdered sugar and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the espresso mixture over each cookie.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 3%
- Iron: 6%
- Calcium: 2%
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Magnesium: 4%
Additional Notes/Tips
- For extra orange flavor, add a few more teaspoons of orange zest.
- Adjust the amount of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a fun twist, top with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
