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 and for dipping

Imagine the delicate, buttery crumb of shortbread kissed by a bright pop of fresh orange zest—this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is just that. These cookies melt in your mouth, carrying a subtle citrus brightness that feels both festive and comforting. Let me tell you why these cookies have become my go-to whenever I want something simple but special.

A close-up of a stack of five round cookies on a white marbled surface, each cookie half dipped in dark chocolate with a smooth, shiny texture; the top cookie has a bite taken out, revealing a soft, crumbly yellow interior with tiny orange specks; in the blurred background, more similar cookies are spread out alongside orange slices, adding bright yellow and orange pops of color. 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

I absolutely adore this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe because it feels like a classic shortbread, just with a bright, sunny twist that’s incredibly inviting. It’s simple to make but offers such a deep, rich flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this recipe super easy to whip up last minute.
Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange zest really wakes up the buttery richness without overpowering it.
Versatile Serving: Whether dipped in chocolate or enjoyed plain, these cookies fit any occasion.
Perfect Texture: The crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture feels indulgent yet light.

Round yellow cookies are spread on a white marbled surface, some are plain while others are dipped halfway in smooth, dark brown chocolate. The cookies have a slightly crumbly texture with a few small cracks. Bright orange slices and orange wedges are placed among the cookies, adding a fresh, juicy contrast with their vibrant color and juicy texture. The scene looks bright and fresh, with the white marbled surface enhancing the colors of the cookies and orange slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a lesson in how just a few well-chosen ingredients can work magic together. The butter and sugar make a luxuriously creamy base, the orange zest lends fresh citrus brightness, and the flour holds it all together with perfect structure.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small heap of fresh orange zest next to it, a slab of unsalted butter with a smooth, creamy texture, a whole vanilla bean pod, a few grains of coarse salt scattered beside, a mound of all-purpose flour, and a small white bowl containing glossy melted dark chocolate, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Mixing it first with fresh orange zest helps release all those essential oils for maximum flavor.
Fresh Orange Zest: This is key — always zest fresh, avoid dried or powdered zest, as it won’t give the same punch.
Unsalted Butter: Softened but not melted, it creates that tender crumb and buttery flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth without stealing the citrus spotlight.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing just enough structure to hold shape while keeping it tender.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Optional): Melting and dipping the cookies in chocolate adds a touch of decadence that’s worth the extra step.

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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 the things I love most about this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re in the mood to ramp up the citrus or add a little festive flair, these cookies adapt beautifully.

Chocolate Dip: I like to melt some dark chocolate and dip half the cookie in it for an elegant and slightly bittersweet contrast. It’s perfect for holiday gifting or impressing guests.
Herbal Twist: Sometimes, I finely chop fresh rosemary or thyme and add just a little to the dough. It’s surprisingly refreshing alongside the orange zest.
Gluten-Free: Substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you’re avoiding gluten—just watch the dough closely when mixing as it can be a bit more delicate.

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

Step 1: Infuse Your Sugar with Orange Zest

This is the magic starting point—take your granulated sugar and mix it thoroughly with fresh orange zest. I often rub them together with my fingers to release all that fragrant oil. This little step makes a huge difference, infusing every bite with bright orange flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Orange Sugar Together

Beat your softened butter with the orange-infused sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is creamy and well combined—this usually takes about two minutes in my mixer. Getting this smooth and fluffy sets you up for the perfect texture in the final cookies.

Step 3: Gently Incorporate the Flour

At low speed, slowly add your flour and mix until the dough just comes together. You want it to form large crumbs that hold when pressed without any dry flour remaining. Resist the urge to overwork—overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Shape, Chill, and Get Ready to Slice

Turn the dough onto a clean surface and gently bring it into a ball, avoiding overhandling. Divide it into two equal parts and roll each into a 5-inch log. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. Here’s a little trick I picked up: after about 20 minutes in the fridge, take the logs out and gently roll to round out any flat spots, then chill again for the rest of the time. This helps the cookies stay round when sliced.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into half-inch rounds. Space them about two inches apart so they don’t melt into each other during baking. Pop them in the oven for 14 to 15 minutes until they’re just barely golden—watch the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a bit before moving to a wire rack.

Top Tip

From my experience, these little steps make all the difference between good and great shortbread cookies. It’s all about treating the dough gently and ensuring you get that perfect balance of crisp edge and tender center.

Fresh Zest First: Always zest your orange first and mix it into the sugar before anything else—this releases the oils and deepens the flavor enormously.
Soft Butter, Not Melted: If your butter melts, the dough won’t hold its shape properly; softened is key.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle as gently as possible once the flour is added for the tenderest crumb.
Chill Twice: That mid-chill roll to round out the logs really helps avoid flat or uneven cookies.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep things simple—sometimes just a light dusting of powdered sugar is enough. But my favorite is dipping half the cookie in melted dark chocolate and letting it set. The bittersweet chocolate pairs so well with the orange and buttery shortbread. For holiday parties, I'll add a tiny sprinkle of coarse sea salt or chopped candied orange peel right after dipping for that extra pizazz.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a hot cup of tea—earl grey with its own citrus notes is a winner. Or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert bite. I’ve even paired them with a creamy cheese platter for a surprising sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to stack a few cookies tied with a pretty ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary for a festive look. Displaying them in cute mini paper bags or jars makes for a great party favor or hostess gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them in a cool, dry spot helps preserve their crisp, tender texture. Usually, they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If it’s warm or you’ve dipped them in chocolate, the fridge is best—just let them come back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I freeze these cookies all the time! I lay them flat on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They hold up wonderfully for about three months. When I’m ready for a sweet treat, I let them thaw on the counter for 15–20 minutes—almost like fresh-baked again.

Reheating

If you want to revive crispness after storage, I pop a few cookies on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This helps refresh their delicate texture without drying them out. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute another citrus for the orange zest?

Yes! Lemon or lime zest can be used if you prefer a different citrus note. Just keep the amount the same, and be sure to use fresh zest to get the best flavor.

Why do my shortbread cookies spread too much while baking?

If your cookies spread too much, your butter might be too warm or melted. Make sure to use softened, not melted, butter and chill the dough well before slicing and baking. Overworking the dough can also cause spreading, so handle it gently.

Is it necessary to chill the dough logs before slicing?

Chilling the dough logs is essential for shaping and helps the cookies bake evenly without losing their shape. Plus, it intensifies the flavors. I recommend at least one hour of chilling for best results.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a firm non-dairy butter or coconut oil, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. I suggest experimenting with small batches to find what you like best.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it perfectly balances simple, buttery comfort with a fresh, bright spark of citrus. They’re easy enough to become a weekday treat but special enough for celebrations. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for that orange zest and butter more often than you thought! I can’t wait for you to taste these and add your own spin to make them truly yours.