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 teaspoons salt; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted, for dipping

There’s something about the sweet, buttery crumb of shortbread paired with bright, zesty orange that just feels like a little slice of sunshine. This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old—and I’m excited to share how you can make them right in your own kitchen.

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 recipe feels cozy and elegant all at once. It’s the kind of cookie that’s perfect for whenever you want to treat yourself or impress guests without a ton of fuss.

Bright Flavor: Fresh orange zest infuses each bite with a refreshing, natural citrus punch.
Buttery Perfection: The rich, tender shortbread texture melts in your mouth like little buttery clouds.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making it a super easy recipe to pull together.
Optional Chocolate Dip: Dunk these in melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the orange.

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

The ingredients in this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and buttery goodness. Each plays a key role, so I highly recommend using fresh orange zest and good quality butter for 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: Mixing it with the orange zest releases all those fragrant oils that brighten the cookie flavor.
Fresh orange zest: Always zest before juicing! Fresh zest is key for vibrant, clean citrus notes in cookies.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures that perfect tender crumb. If you only have salted butter, just adjust the added salt accordingly.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar depth to balance the citrus brightness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the delicate texture of the shortbread.
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate (optional): Melting it for dipping adds richness and a beautiful finish—totally 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

I like to keep these classic but sometimes switch things up to suit the mood or occasion. Don’t be shy to play around with add-ins or toppings; this recipe is a wonderful base to get creative.

Variation: One time, I tossed in a teaspoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger with the orange zest for a little spicy kick that my family loved.
Gluten-free Version: Substituting oat flour or a gluten-free blend works well—just be gentle when mixing the dough to keep that tender texture.
Chocolate Dipped: Definitely try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate. It’s a personal favorite for gifting!
Seasonal Twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon in the dough around the holidays for a cozy, festive update.

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

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Zest

Start by stirring together the granulated sugar with the orange zest. I like to rub them between my fingers to really release those fragrant oils—you’ll smell that citrus magic right away. This step is key for bright, evenly distributed flavor.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Flavorings

Next, beat the softened butter with your orange-infused sugar, vanilla, and salt until everything looks creamy and well combined—about 2 minutes on medium speed. This creates a smooth, fluffy base for your cookies without overworking the butter.

Step 3: Gently Mix in Flour

Lower your mixer speed and add the flour slowly. Mix just until the dough forms large crumbs that hold together when pressed—don’t overmix! You want a dough that’s coming together but still tender.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough Logs

Dump the crumbly dough onto a clean surface and gently bring it together into a ball. Then divide into two equal halves and roll each into a 5-inch log. Wrap them tightly in plastic and chill for at least an hour. This step is great for flavor development and gives you those nice round cookies.

Tip: Around 20 minutes into chilling, you can take the logs out and roll them a bit to round out any flat spots. It makes your cookies look more uniform and professional.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into ½-inch rounds and place them 2 inches apart on the sheets.

Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, just until they’re very lightly golden—watch closely, as they can color quickly towards the end. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. That cooling time is crucial for them to firm up with the perfect shortbread snap.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate these Orange Shortbread Cookies and make the baking process smoother. Here’s what works best for me:

Use Fresh Zest: I repeat this because it’s so important—frozen or dried zest won’t give the same vibrant aroma and flavor.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mixing flour until just combined keeps the cookies tender instead of tough.
Chill Twice If Needed: If your dough feels too soft before slicing, pop it back in the fridge a little longer. It makes slicing easier and keeps cookies from spreading too much.
Watch Your Bake Time: Check the cookies early and keep an eye on the edges—they should just turn golden, not brown.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and elegant by dipping the cooled cookies halfway into melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate, then letting them set on parchment paper. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it hardens—it’s a beautiful flavor contrast I highly recommend.

Side Dishes

These orange shortbread cookies are fantastic alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee. They’re also great with a glass of dessert wine or even a bright, citrusy cocktail for a grown-up treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these cookies on a pretty platter garnished with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary. It adds a festive look and a subtle aromatic touch. Gift them in decorated tins with a ribbon for a sweet homemade present that folks always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine in a cool, dry spot to maintain that perfect crisp texture—the cookies will stay fresh and delicious for about a week.

Freezing

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they freeze. I lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to have a batch ready whenever you want.

Reheating

If you want to refresh frozen cookies, I gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores some of their freshly baked crispness without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat, especially if they’re chocolate dipped.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?

While orange extract can add some flavor, fresh orange zest gives a much brighter, fresher citrus note and essential oils that really make a difference in this recipe. If you must, use a small amount of extract but I recommend zest whenever possible.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure the dough is well chilled before slicing and baking. Also, slice the logs into even rounds and space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Avoid over-soft dough by chilling longer if necessary.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter in place of unsalted butter—just choose one that behaves similarly in baking. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Keep in mind that fresh orange zest remains key for flavor.

Why do the cookies call for a low baking temperature?

Baking at 325°F allows the shortbread to cook gently and evenly, preserving its tender crumb and buttery texture without browning too fast. Shortbread benefits from a slower, lower bake to get that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart for good reason. It’s straightforward, yet yields those tender, fragrant cookies that feel so special with minimal effort. I hope you find the same joy in making them as I do! Give it a try, and I promise these little gems will brighten your days and delight your taste buds.