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 wonderfully simple and nostalgic about a buttery, tender cookie that’s been kissed by a burst of citrus. That’s exactly what makes this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe a keeper – it’s crisp, fragrant, and just the right balance of sweet and zesty.

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

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe because it hits all the right notes—it’s light but buttery, subtly citrusy, and absolutely perfect alongside your afternoon tea or coffee. Making it is straightforward, which means less stress and more sweet rewards!

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
Perfect Texture: Tender yet crisp shortbread that melts in your mouth but holds its shape beautifully.
Bright Orange Flavor: Fresh zest adds an aromatic twist that feels fresh and festive.
Optional Chocolate Dip: The added chocolate layer is a delightful touch that makes these cookies feel a little fancy but still very accessible.

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

This recipe is a testament to how a few well-chosen ingredients can create magic. The butter gives you that classic shortbread richness, while the fresh orange zest brightens everything up. Plus, little adjustments here and there can elevate the final cookie to something truly special.

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 fresh orange zest helps infuse the cookie with natural citrus oils right from the start.
Fresh Orange Zest: It’s the star flavor here—make sure to zest only the bright outer layer to avoid bitterness from the pith.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for that creamy mix, and using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the citrus.
Salt: Enhances the flavors, but can be adjusted or omitted if using salted butter.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate (optional): Melting and dipping cookies gives a sophisticated finish and a lovely contrast to the bright, buttery cookie base.

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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 mixing things up with this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a splash of almond extract to switch it up, and you can too! Personalizing recipes like this keeps baking fun and makes it truly your own.

Variation: When I’m after a more indulgent treat, dipping half the cookie in melted dark chocolate is my go-to—it adds that perfect touch of richness and looks so pretty on a cookie platter.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free twist, coconut oil can replace butter, but the texture might be a bit different—still delicious though!

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

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar with Orange Zest

Start by mixing your granulated sugar and fresh orange zest in a small bowl. I usually rub them together with my fingers to release those citrus oils fully—this little trick really boosts the cookie’s aroma and flavor right from the get-go.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Sugar, and Flavorings

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with your orange-scented sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth—about two minutes on medium speed with a mixer. The texture is key here; it should look light and fluffy to ensure tender cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour Gently

Lower your mixer speed and slowly add in the flour, just mixing until the dough comes together. It’s important not to overmix here—you're aiming for crumbly dough that holds when pressed but with no flour streaks visible. This step helps keep the final texture delicate, not tough.

Step 4: Shape, Chill, and Round the Cookies

Scrape the dough onto a clean surface and gently gather it into a ball without overworking it. Then, divide it into two halves, rolling each into a 5-inch log. Wrap these tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour; chilling firms the dough, making slicing much easier and helping the cookies keep their shape.

Here’s a little trick I learned: after about 20 minutes of chilling, take the logs out, roll them a few times to smooth out any flat sides, then pop them back in the fridge. This gives you nicely rounded cookies after slicing!

Step 5: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled logs into ½-inch rounds and place them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 14-15 minutes until they’re just turning golden at the edges—watch carefully because shortbread can go from delicate to too dark quickly.

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and cool evenly without breaking.

Top Tip

From my many batches of this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe, I've realized a few key things that make all the difference—little changes that transform a good cookie into an unforgettable one.

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; too soft and your cookies will spread too much in the oven.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough will toughen the cookies.
Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps cookies bake evenly and hold their shape so beautifully.
Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: I always use a really sharp knife for slicing the dough logs—it helps keep the cookie edges neat and professional-looking.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep these cookies simple but sometimes sprinkle a little extra orange zest on top for a fresh, zesty pop. When I dip them in chocolate, I add a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the warm chocolate—this contrast takes them to another level.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich, creamy hot chocolate—perfect for cozy afternoons. They also make a lovely treat alongside fresh berries or a small cheese plate for entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered cookie stand alongside candied orange peel and sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme. It adds a rustic charm and smells incredible. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with orange ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover orange shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry spot. They keep their crisp texture beautifully for about a week this way—perfect for nibbling over several days.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works like a charm. I freeze them in a single layer first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When I want a quick treat, I just let them thaw at room temp for 15–20 minutes, and they come out tasting just like fresh!

Reheating

To refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, I warm them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes). This brings back that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without making them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While you can substitute dried orange peel, fresh zest is preferred for the brightest, most aromatic flavor—dried zest may taste muted or slightly bitter.

What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them crisp?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid conditions to keep the cookies crisp. If you added a chocolate dip that’s not tempered, refrigerate to prevent melting.

Can I make the dough ahead and freeze it before baking?

Yes! After shaping the dough into logs and wrapping them, you can freeze the logs for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking as usual.

How long will these cookies stay fresh after baking?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. Refrigeration can extend their life slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Shortbread Cookies are one of those recipes I circle back to because they feel like a little ray of sunshine on a plate. They're easy enough for weeknight baking yet special enough for celebrations. I wholeheartedly recommend you give them a try—you’ll love how they bring that bright citrus sparkle to your cookie jar.