Name: Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 8 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for dipping)

There’s something absolutely delightful about the mix of buttery crumbly texture with a bright citrus twist — and that’s exactly why I adore this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies have the perfect balance of sweet, zesty, and rich, making them a joy to bake and even better to share.

A stack of five round cookies sits in the center on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is half dipped in smooth dark chocolate, covering one side, while the other half shows a golden yellow baked surface with a slightly crumbly texture. The top cookie has a bite taken out, showing a soft, moist inside with little orange specks. Around the stack, there are more cookies and slices of bright orange, adding pops of color in the background. The image is bright and focused on the stack, with the background gently blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking routine because it’s impressively simple but yields bakery-quality results at home. The fresh orange zest infused in each bite brightens up the classic shortbread in such a wonderful way — it almost makes baking feel like a celebration.

Sensory Delight: The fragrant orange zest combined with buttery shortbread creates an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe fits any skill level.
Customizable: Whether you like them plain or dipped in chocolate, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Perfect Texture: Crisp edges and tender centers mean each cookie offers the perfect melt-in-your-mouth balance.

The image shows many round yellow cookies with a smooth, slightly crumbly texture. Some cookies are plain yellow, while others are half dipped in dark brown chocolate, creating a clear half-and-half contrast. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface. Among the cookies are whole orange slices and orange wedges with a bright, juicy texture and vibrant color. The arrangement is scattered and casual, with the cookies and orange pieces overlapping slightly in some places. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Behind every great cookie is thoughtful ingredient choice. This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe relies on simple pantry staples, but each has a role in making these cookies both flavorful and tender. Here’s why I pick these ingredients every time:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a few bright fresh orange zest strips beside it, a whole stick of unsalted butter with a smooth pale yellow surface, one whole vanilla bean pod, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine salt crystals, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy melted dark chocolate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Combined with orange zest, it creates a fragrant sugar that elevates the cookie's aroma.
Fresh Orange Zest: This is the star ingredient — it adds vibrant citrus notes that brighten the rich buttery dough.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter enriches the dough's tenderness and flavor while giving that classic shortbread crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds warmth and balances the citrus for a more rounded flavor profile.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance sweetness and contrast the buttery richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie depends on this, and using the right amount ensures crumbly but cohesive dough.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Optional): Dipping the cookies in chocolate adds an indulgent layer of richness and pairs beautifully with orange.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often tweak this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or the occasion. Don’t be shy to add your own twist — it’s all about what makes you happy in the kitchen and at the table.

Chocolate Dip Variation: I love dipping half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish — it adds a lovely bittersweet contrast to the zesty cookie.
Herbal Infusion: Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of finely chopped rosemary or thyme for a lovely earthy note that surprises and delights.
Gluten-Free Option: Substituting all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free blend works well if you need an alternative, just be sure to chill the dough a bit longer to firm up.
Extra Zest: Feel free to increase the orange zest if you want a bolder citrus punch — just make sure it’s finely grated for even distribution.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Zest

Start by mixing your granulated sugar with fresh orange zest. I like to rub them together with my fingers; it helps release all those aromatic oils right upfront. This little step is the secret to a fragrant cookie that really sings with orange flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Next, beat the softened butter with the orange-sugar mixture, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy and light, about 2 minutes on medium speed. This fluffiness traps air, giving your cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the butter’s too cold, this step can feel tough — room temperature is your friend here.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough

Lower the mixer to slow speed and add the flour slowly, just until the dough starts to come together. You’re aiming for crumbly clumps that stick when pressed but without any dry flour hiding around. Scrape it out onto your counter and gently bring it into a ball—don’t overwork it; shortbread is all about tender crumb!

Step 4: Chill and Shape Your Dough Logs

Divide the dough in two and shape each half into a 5-inch log. Wrap tightly in plastic and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. Pro tip: After 20 minutes, I like to check and roll the logs to smooth out any flat sides, then back into the fridge — this helps make perfectly round cookies!

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into half-inch rounds with a sharp knife, and space them 2 inches apart—shortbread expands slightly, so give them breathing room! Bake for 14-15 minutes until they’re just turning golden at the edges. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Top Tip

After trying this recipe a few times, I’ve learned some tweaks that really take these cookies from good to wow-worthy. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me nail texture and flavor every time.

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melting — too cold and it won’t cream properly; too soft and the dough will be greasy.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just enough for the crumbs to hold together. Overworking causes tougher cookies.
Chill for Flavor & Shape: Chilling the dough not only makes slicing easier but helps develop richer flavor and prevents spreading in the oven.
Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: Use a really sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to keep cookie rounds neat and uniform.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

orange shortbread cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple by dipping half the cookies in melted dark chocolate, letting it set for a sophisticated touch. Sometimes, I dust lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle finely grated orange zest right before serving — it amps up the freshness and looks pretty when friends come over.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely alongside a cup of strong black tea or a mellow chamomile. I also love pairing them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert plate that feels fancy without fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or gift-giving, I like arranging orange shortbread cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon and a small sprig of dried orange peel or cinnamon stick. It instantly makes them feel warm and personal — plus they look gorgeous on any cookie tray!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps them stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week. If you’ve dipped the cookies in chocolate and your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigerating them to avoid melting.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! Lay cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes — they come back perfectly crisp!

Reheating

If you want to refresh the crispness after storage, pop the cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This gently revives their delicate texture without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh zest in the Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

While orange extract can add flavor, fresh orange zest delivers natural oils and brightness that really make these cookies stand out. If you must substitute, use extract sparingly because it’s more concentrated, and reduce other liquids in the dough slightly.

Why do these Orange Shortbread Cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to slice into neat rounds. It also prevents excessive spreading during baking and helps the flavors meld, leading to a better texture and taste.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that you might need to chill the dough a bit longer to help it hold together, and the texture might vary slightly.

How long do these orange shortbread cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh and crisp for about a week. If dipped in chocolate or in a warm environment, refrigeration can extend freshness to about 10 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

Every time I bake these Orange Shortbread Cookies, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients and small thoughtful steps can create comfort and joy in the kitchen. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon snack or a festive treat, you’ll find this recipe reliably delicious and wonderfully satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it — you’re going to love how these cookies brighten your baking repertoire!