Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Orange

By God, it’s December, and that means- holiday baking season!

I don’t remember when I discovered the combo platter of dark chocolate with orange, but it’s become one of my favorites. Whether it’s in candy or ice cream form, I’ll always seek it out.

This made me think that it would be equally (if not more) delicious in chocolate chip cookie form. Why use vanilla when delicious orange extract is available? Enough said.

I also discovered that most chocolate chip cookie recipes use more butter than is really necessary. When I’ve used 2 sticks of butter, my cookies turn out greasy and flat. Mind you, they’re still tasty, but they don’t look so good, and all I’d rather save the calories and fat if I can.

Speaking of nutritional components, this recipe does have powdered cocoa and dark chocolate chips, which do provide some antioxidants in your diet. You could also substitute part olive oil for butter if you want to reduce saturated fat. Why not?

This is my go-to recipe when I want to “treat” my guests or hosts. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

1 1/2 sticks butter (or 1 stick butter and 1/2 cup olive oil)

2 whole eggs

1 tsp. orange extract

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

2 cups white flour

1 (10 bag) 60% cacao chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees

2. Soften the butter, but don’t melt it.

3. Place the white and brown sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer.

4. Add the butter and beat to blend until smooth.

5. Add the eggs and orange extract. Continue to beat to combine.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, cocoa, and flour.

7. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat to combine.

8. Stir the dark chocolate chips into the batter.

9. Roll into balls and drop by teaspoon onto a baking sheet. 12/sheet

10. Bake for 9-10 minutes, then enjoy!

Makes 2 1/2-3 dozen cookies. Nutrition facts per 1 cookie: 145 calories, 6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 22 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 2 grams protein, 35 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium.