Learn how to get perfectly round cookies with this recipe for slice and bake Chocolate and Orange Icebox cookies.
Learn how to get perfectly round cookies with this recipe for slice and bake Chocolate and Orange Icebox cookies. Make now or freeze for later!
Icebox cookies are a holiday favorite. Crisp and light, with a shortbread like texture, there are numerous versions of these cookies. Developed in the 1920's these cookies were designed to take advantage of refrigerators, which were gaining in popularity. The dough for icebox cookies is very soft and so benefits from a rest in the refrigerator - which is one of the reasons they are a holiday favorite! since you have to make them ahead!! And since the the best way to beat holiday stress is to plan a little ahead.. these Chocolate and Orange Icebox Cookies are just what you need!
I've always been a fan of chocolate and orange together - the sweetness and bitterness of the orange plays off the earthy richness of the chocolate - combine that with a buttery and crisp cookie and... yum!!!
To make the cookies, you could make your own orange peel... or do what I did and buy candied orange peel! The stores are now stocked up with all kinds of candied fruit for holiday baking so grab a package - you won't be sorry!
Ice Box Cookie Tips:
The basic dough is the same regardless of the "add ins" - if you aren't a fan of orange (gasp!) you could substitute dried tart cherries or cranberries - or pecans if you want to skip the fruit altogether!
Want to get a nice round shape for your cookies? Here's a tip. After making the dough, divide it in half and form a log on a piece of parchment paper. Using a pastry scraper, place the blade against the parchment paper where the log meets cutting board. Pull the bottom of the parchment towards you while holding the scraper against the cookie dough.
Make a double batch of dough and then flavor each batch with a different combination! Roll in parchment and either refrigerate for 2 days and then bake, or freeze for longer storage!
If you love cookies as much as I do, you might want to check out my Orange Ginger Oatmeal Crisps !
📖Recipe
Chocolate and Orange Icebox Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 1 /2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup minced candied orange peel
Candied Orange Peel
- 3 oranges
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup OR ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Cream the butte with the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg and the vanilla. Beat until well combined. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat until blended. Mix in the mini chocolate chips and the candied orange peel. Divide the dough in half. Shape into logs about 1 ½ inches thick. Wrap in parchment or wax paper and refrigerate until firm. To Bake:
- Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Line several sheet pans with parchment.
- Slice dough into ¼ inch slices. Place approximately 2 inches apart on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
- Directions for Orange Peel:
- Cut the top and bottom off each orange. Score the peel in 1 inch wide strips. Using your fingers, remove the peel from the orange, scraping away any membrane that remains. Place the peels in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes or until peels are tender. Drain.
- When cool, cut the peels into strips ¼ inch wide. Set aside.
- In the same saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water, sugar and corn syrup or cream of tartar. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add the peel. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the peel is translucent and tender. Remove from the heat and pour the syrup and peels into a heatproof container. Let sit overnight at room temperature. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. To coat peels in sugar, remove peels from the syrup and let dry overnight and then roll in sugar.
Allison [Girl's Guide to Social Media] says
I am beyond excited for holiday baking this year. I love the way my kitchen smells in the fall and holiday time. So uplifting! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Nancy!
Nancy says
I am too Allison!! Can't wait for my oldest to be home from college - we always spend one day baking/decorating cookies!!
Cathy/ShowFoodChef says
I came straight over here when I read your tweet that had the words Orange and Chocolate - a favorite combo of mine, sometimes toooo favorite 😀 Also...I might start taking photo workshops with YOU. Your pics are wonderful. OK, bookmarked the recipe, but I do wish I had one of those cookies right NOW.
Nancy says
Thanks Cathy!! I know, I am totally addicted to orange and chocolate together. When Haagen Daz discontinued their Mandarin Chocolate Chip ice cream I pouted for weeks! So glad you like the photos - they are coming along - think I am really getting the hang of the photography piece! I warn you - the cookies are addictive - think Orange Milano's!!
Bailey says
I subscribe to you via google reader... hope this counts as an entry!
Nancy says
Absolutely!!!
Bailey says
Favorite candy is a little tougher... probably anything with caramel!
Nancy says
Oooh.... I love caramel too!!
Magic of Spice says
Does look like a great book...these are fantastic cookies and so love the combination of chocolate and orange 🙂
Nancy says
Thanks Alisha!! Chocolate and orange are definitely two of my favorite flavor combo's!
Lindsay @ Schnoodle Soup says
Oh gosh...I guess Baby Ruth's are my favorite candy bar, but if we're talking more old school/penny candy, then I love Mary Jane's!
Nancy says
Hi Lindsay!!
Whoa, talk about a blast from the past!! I haven't thought about Mary Jane's in forever.. thanks for bringing back such a great memory!!
Cat A. says
Hi Nancy!
My favorite thing is anything with chocolate! Wish I could narrow it down but really I am an equal opportunity lover of all things chocolate.
Can't wait to try this recipe and the book looks like a must read!
Nancy says
I am too Cathy.. it's is definitely one of my weaknesses!!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
I love chocolate and orange together. Each Christmas I get one of those round chocolate/orange balls in my stocking. Santa knows!
I can not imagine how good these must be with your own candied orange peel...and would LOVE this book!
I'm not going to leave separate comments for fear I would look like a stalker. I do it all...heck I even phone. 🙂
Leisa says
Just ordered my book!
Nancy says
Fabulous!! I think you are going to love it... it definitely will come in handy for Christmas!!
MyMansBelly says
This looks like a great recipe for Craig. The orange and chocolate combo is one of his favorites.
Nancy says
It is definitely one of mine. I really liked the amount of orange flavor the candied peel gave the cookies....even my family (who aren't orange/choco combo fans) loved them. Score!!!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Sounds like a fantastic book. My favorite candy to make is candied orange peels dipped in dark chocolate!
Nancy says
So happy to know another orange and chocolate fan!!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Already follow you on Twitter!
Marla {family fresh cooking} says
That book sounds amazing Nancy...I must get my hands on one & many of these cookies! xxoo
Nancy says
It's a gorgeous book and the instructions are wonderful as are the recipes!
Marla {family fresh cooking} says
My favorite candy...deep, dark chocolate!
Nancy says
Me too Marla!!
Lori says
Hi Nancy! I'm over the moon when I find chocolate and orange combinations. I feel like it is a gift to my taste buds, so thank you for this recipe! I used to devour those chocolate dipped candied orange sticks as a kid. If I'm not mistaken Camp Fire Girls (remember them?) used to sell them in the long rectangular boxes. Now I make my own or buy them from Trader Joes.
I follow you all over the place but in a non-stalker-ish kind of way 🙂
Nancy says
LOL!!! Heavens, I'd forgotten all about the ones the Camp Fire Girls used to sell!!! So glad you are coming to Photography and Light - T and D are amazing and it's going to be such a fun day!!
Shawnda says
The cookies look lovely! I was so excited to see that you're going to be at Todd & Diane's photo workshop next month. Looking forward to chatting again!
Nancy says
Me too Shawnda - it is going to be SO much fun!!! T and D are so excited - can't wait!!
Georgia Pellegrini says
T&D were telling me about this book... chocolate and orange were born to be together. And T&D are such great photographers. I'll check this book out!
Nancy says
It's a great book on candy making. LOTS of step by step photos which are terrific for those who are not good friends with hot sugar (yeah, that would be me!!)
Jamie says
What a fun book! We love chocolate-covered candied orange peel and buy a sachet from our local chocolatier every holiday to share. Love it! But if I had the choice it would have to be chocolate-covered marshmallow or caramel. Yeah. Anytime. Love the cookies!
Nancy says
Ooohh... I love both of those too!!!
Jamie says
And I follow you on twitter!
Marsha Grib says
Am I missing something? How much corn syrup, sugar and water for cooking the orange peels? The last step confused me cuz all I saw were the cookie ingredients.
Nancy says
Hello Marsha!
No, you aren't missing anything, but the recipe is! I recently switched to a new recipe software and have had some issues with everything transferring over :-(. I've gone in and added the correct amounts for the candied orange peel - thank you so much for the heads up!!!
Stuart says
Tip:
After forming the cookie dough logs, place them inside a tall drinking glass or some kind of tube and freeze. They will keep their round shape better.