Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Of course! Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

How can I enhance the orange flavor?

For a stronger citrus flavor, add an additional tablespoon of orange zest to the cookie dough.

What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate (50-70% cocoa) balances the citrusy sweetness beautifully. Use chopped dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, opt for semisweet chocolate instead.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by overly softened butter, warm dough, or too little flour. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking and ensure your measurements are accurate.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries would pair well with the orange and chocolate flavors. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

Vegan Orange Chocolate Cookies

Orange chocolate cookie surrounded by fresh orange slices.

Print Recipe

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5 from 1 review

Decadent, chewy vegan chocolate cookies loaded with rich dark chocolate chunks and bright orange, citrusy flavor!

Author: Lyndsey Hiltner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 3-inch Cookies 1x
Category: Cookies
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup vegan butter, softened

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons orange zest

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups chopped dark chocolate or nondairy chocolate chips

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Instructions

Mix: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest and vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about one minute. Add the cocoa powder, baking soda and salt to the bowl. Beat until ingredients are well-distributed. Add the flour to the bowl and beat until cookie dough comes together. Do not over-mix. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate.
Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour or overnight.
Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Bake: Place 2 or 3 tablespoon scoops of cookie dough on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake cookies for 11-13 minutes. Allow cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.