Every holiday season I find myself eating copious amounts of cookies. From the cookie exchange parties to the tins left on my doorstep by loving friends, there is an intense amount of cookies consumed in a short period of time. My go-to cookie this time of year is a chewy gingerbread cookie. I seem to always gift these spicy, sweet treats to family and friends during the holidays. This year I decided that it was time for a new cookie recipe. I wanted to make something rich and decadent; something that my friends could enjoy. These dark chocolate, orange cookies are rich and chewy, with a hint of orange, that takes them to another level.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cups dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp orange juice
• 1 egg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silpats
• Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter and both sugars on medium speed until light, fluffy and well combined
• Add egg ,orange juice and orange zest and mix until just combined
• In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder and salt
• Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on medium-low speed, until dough comes together
• Add chocolate and mix until combined
• Using a cookie scoop or teaspoon, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart
• Bake in middle rack of the oven for about 10-12 minutes
• Let cool 6-8 minutes on baking sheet and then transfer to wire rack until completely cool
• Enjoy!