Name: Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large oranges (zested); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed); 1 large egg yolk; 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (about ¾ cups); ½ cup heavy whipping cream (about 32-35%); ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional); ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons orange juice (squeezed from the zested oranges, as needed)

There’s something magical about the bright, citrusy aroma that fills the kitchen when you bake these delightful Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. They’re buttery, tender, and bursting with fresh orange zest — a treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration of flavor.

The image shows several round cookies with scalloped edges, each having two layers: a light golden beige top layer with a star-shaped cutout in the center that reveals a dark brown filling underneath. The cookies are placed on a sheet of vintage-style printed paper with sprigs of fresh green rosemary scattered around. A bright orange half is also visible, adding a vibrant pop of color. The surface under the paper appears as a white marbled texture. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of smooth and textured elements. 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

These cookies have quickly become a favorite in my house — not just because they look stunning, but because every bite is filled with bright orange flavor and the unexpected surprise of rich chocolate and a hint of cardamom. They’re perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself.

Zesty Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice truly shine, giving these cookies a vibrant citrus kick.
Decadent Filling: The chocolate and cardamom filling adds a luxurious twist that’s both rich and comforting.
Buttery Texture: Classic shortbread tenderness ensures they melt in your mouth every time.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are doable for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines classic shortbread elements with fresh orange and a decadent filling that balances richness with brightness. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies irresistibly good. Here are some helpful notes on the main players:

Flat lay of two whole fresh oranges with bright orange skin and a few zest strips nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a block of unsalted butter with a smooth pale yellow surface, a small white ceramic bowl with fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear orange juice, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of sifted all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semisweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cardamom powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract 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: Adds sweetness without overpowering the butter’s richness.
Oranges (Zested & Juiced): The zest gives intense citrus oils, while the juice adds freshness and moisture.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor.
Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness and highlighting the orange notes.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle background warmth that complements the citrus beautifully.
Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
All Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies — opt for the usual brand you like for consistent results.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips/Chopped Chocolate: Melts delectably in the filling, adding richness with a slight bittersweet contrast.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luscious chocolate-cardamom filling.
Ground Cardamom (Optional): A warm spice twist that pairs surprisingly well with orange and chocolate.
Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze to give the perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture.

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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 love to tweak this recipe depending on the mood or season. The base is so forgiving and delicious, it really welcomes your creativity — and you’ll find the more you make it, the more ways you’ll discover to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the semisweet chocolate for white chocolate chips and add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios on top for a fun twist — it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Dairy-Free: You can try using a plant-based butter substitute and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to suit dairy-free needs. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Spice it Up: Mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the cardamom takes the flavor in a warm, cozy direction super perfect for fall and winter.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Using a gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well here — just keep an eye on consistency of the dough.

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

The image shows round sandwich cookies with three layers: a light golden brown base cookie, a middle dark chocolate filling, and a top cookie with a white icing covering and a star-shaped hole in the center revealing the chocolate layer below. The top cookie's edges are scalloped, giving a decorative look. The cookies are placed on crumpled brown paper with black text, and next to them are bright orange slices showing their juicy texture. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Orange Shortbread Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add the fresh orange zest, sea salt, vanilla extract, and egg yolk, mixing just until combined. Sifting the flour in gradually is key here to avoid a dense dough — I usually do this in three additions, mixing in between. At this point, your dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too wet, a little extra flour helps. Wrap it up and chill for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cardamom Filling

While the dough chills, combine the heavy cream and cardamom in a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat until just simmering. Pour this hot cream over your chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until silky smooth. This luscious filling adds such a special touch — I recommend making it fresh to keep that creamy texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Roll out the chilled dough between parchment papers to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes (I adore simple rounds or festive scalloped edges). Place a dollop of the chocolate-cardamom filling on half the cookies, then top with the remaining halves, gently pressing edges to seal. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them – overbaking dries these tender cookies out.

Step 4: Glaze and Enjoy

Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cookies or dip the tops for a glossy finish that seals in the orange goodness. I love how this step adds a pretty shine and just the right amount of sweet citrus zing.

Top Tip

After baking these Orange Shortbread Cookies, I noticed a few things that can really elevate your results — little tweaks that make a big difference, especially if you’re baking for the first time.

Chill the Dough Thoroughly: This prevents spreading and ensures those sharp edges stay crisp, giving you that perfect shortbread bite.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix lightly to keep the cookies tender instead of tough.
Warm the Filling Gently: Avoid overheating the cream-chocolate mixture to keep it glossy and silky, not grainy.
Glaze While Cookies Are Cool: If cookies are too warm, the glaze will drip off, so wait until cooled to get a nice, even coat.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little finely grated orange zest on top of the glaze for an extra burst of freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes I dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that snow-kissed look that’s perfect for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a creamy hot chocolate. For brunch, I’ve served them alongside fresh fruit and a mild cheese plate, which lets the cookies shine as the bright, bold star of the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like arranging these cookies in a circle on a pretty platter, surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a festive, homemade feel. They’re also fantastic packed in a clear jar tied with a ribbon — perfect for gifting to friends or neighbors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, though usually they disappear faster in my house!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze them unglazed, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze fresh — it tastes just as delicious as the day you baked them.

Reheating

If you want to refresh a few cookies, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3-5 minutes to restore a little crispness without melting the glaze. This little step makes them taste freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.

What if I don’t have cardamom — can I skip it?

Yes, you can leave the cardamom out if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious, but the spice adds a lovely depth that complements the orange and chocolate beautifully.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is best because it has a brighter, fresher flavor and natural sweetness that really brings the cookies to life, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week — though I often recommend enjoying them sooner for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple, comforting ingredients in a way that feels both elegant and homey. They’re perfect for impressing guests or brightening up an ordinary day with a little citrus sunshine. Honestly, once you try this recipe, you might just find yourself making these cookies as often as I do — and sharing them with all your favorite people, just like I do. Give them a go, and I promise, you’ll be hooked!