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 truly comforting about the buttery, tender crumb of shortbread cookies kissed with bright, zesty orange. This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is one of my go-to treats when I want something simple yet elegant to share with friends or savor alongside a cup of tea. The fresh orange zest really lifts these cookies, making them a little extra special.

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

From my first batch of these cookies, I was hooked. They hit that perfect balance between rich, buttery shortbread and fresh citrus brightness. Making them is straightforward, and the ingredients are super familiar, which means you can whip up these delightful cookies anytime you want.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, which makes this recipe incredibly approachable.
Bright Orange Flavor: Fresh orange zest infuses the dough with fragrant citrus notes that brighten each bite.
Versatile Finish: You can enjoy them plain or dip half in melted chocolate for a luscious touch.
Perfect Texture: Tender, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that holds shape beautifully.

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

Let’s talk about what goes into these cookies and why each ingredient is key. This harmony between the buttery richness, sweet citrus, and just the right texture makes the final cookie so satisfying. Plus, I’ll share a few shopping tips so you get the best results.

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: Using regular white sugar helps create that crisp, lightly sweet bite perfect for shortbread.
Fresh Orange Zest: The zest brings out the natural oils of the orange, delivering vibrant citrus aroma—don’t skip this fresh! Store-bought zest or dried won’t have the same punch.
Unsalted Butter: Using softened unsalted butter means you control the saltiness; it’s the heart of your cookie's richness and tenderness. If you only have salted butter, just adjust the added salt.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla deepens the flavor complexity, balancing the bright orange with warm, sweet notes.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder here, it ensures your cookies hold together without becoming tough.
Optional Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melting chocolate to dip the cookies adds a delightful flavor contrast and a richer finish—totally optional but yummy.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you love a classic twist or want to add a dash of creativity, there’s room for fun.

Variation: I once added a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon—it gave a warm holiday vibe that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
For a lighter cookie: You can swap half the all-purpose flour for almond flour. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly softer texture.
Dairy-free option: Use a vegan butter alternative, but keep it well chilled to hold the dough together nicely when rolling the logs.

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

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Orange Zest

I start by stirring the granulated sugar and fresh orange zest together in a small bowl. You can also rub them with your fingers—this helps release those vibrant oils and really infuse the sugar with lovely aroma. This little step makes a huge flavor difference!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Flavorings

Next, I beat softened unsalted butter with the orange-infused sugar mixture, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is creamy and well combined. About two minutes on medium speed is perfect here. This creaming step creates a tender texture in the final cookie.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together Gently

Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. You’ll want to stop when there are large crumbs that hold when pressed. Avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough. Scrape the dough out and gently form it into a ball on your counter, being careful not to overwork it.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

I divide the dough into two halves, rolling each into a 5-inch log. Wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, I pop these logs into the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. Pro tip: after about 20 minutes, take the logs out and gently roll them to round the flat sides and then chill again to help achieve perfectly round cookies.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into ½-inch rounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the pans. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes until they’re just lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I noticed that chilling the dough properly and handling it gently is key to tender, crumbly cookies that don’t spread too much in the oven.

Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the dough’s chill. It really firms up the butter, so cookies hold their shape and develop that perfect shortbread crumb.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: When bringing it together or rolling, gentle hands make all the difference between tender shortbread and dense, tough cookies.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: Use a sharp knife to get clean, even cookie rounds—this helps with uniform baking and presentation.
Oven Temperature Checks: Every oven is different, so keep an eye near the end of baking to avoid over-browning. The cookies should just start to turn golden at the edges.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

orange shortbread cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish these cookies by dipping half of each one in melted dark chocolate. It adds a touch of indulgence and pairs perfectly with the citrus notes. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the chocolate while it’s still wet for a balance of sweet and savory that guests love.

Side Dishes

This recipe goes wonderfully with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich, slightly bitter coffee to complement the sweet tang. For a brunch spread, these cookies offer a lovely contrast alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies on a platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thin orange slices for that extra visual and aromatic pop. Wrapped in cellophane with a simple ribbon, they also make charming gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my orange shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool and dry place, where they keep their delightful crispness for about a week. If your kitchen is warm, or if the cookies are dipped in untempered chocolate, I recommend refrigerating them to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I usually lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just let them thaw at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes—easy as that.

Reheating

When I want to refresh the cookies after storage, especially if they've softened slightly, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This cozy little step brings back that just-baked crispness without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bottled orange zest instead of fresh?

Bottled or dried orange zest doesn’t have the same vibrant oils and fresh aroma that fresh zest offers. For best flavor, I always recommend zesting a fresh orange. It really brightens the cookies in a way that artificial alternatives can’t match.

What if I don’t want to use chocolate for dipping?

The cookies are absolutely delicious on their own—rich, buttery, and perfectly tender with that fresh orange zing. The chocolate dip is an optional extra for a little indulgence, so feel free to skip it if you prefer your shortbread simple and classic.

Can I make this dough ahead and freeze it?

Yes! After rolling the dough into logs and wrapping them, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking as usual. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies on demand!

How do I prevent my shortbread from getting too crumbly or fragile?

The key is not to overwork the dough when mixing and shaping. Also, chilling the dough thoroughly before slicing helps maintain the cookie shape during baking. Lastly, using softened but not melted butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture without crumbling apart.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and sophisticated. Every time I bake these, I’m reminded why fresh, quality ingredients and a little patience in preparation go a long way. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do—it feels like wrapping a little sunshine into every bite!