Who says you can’t have it all? These Zesty Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies are here to prove that a treat can be both incredibly delicious and packed with protein. Imagine the bright, sunny flavor of fresh orange zest mingling with rich, decadent dark chocolate, all in a soft, chewy cookie made with wholesome almond flour. It’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence to satisfy your sweet tooth, any time of day. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!
Ingredients
• 7 tbsp / 100g butter
• 2 cups / 224g almond flour
• ¾ cup / 150g granulated sweetener
• 2 oz / 56g dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp / 6g orange zest
• 1 tbsp / 15ml orange juice
• 1 tsp / 5ml orange extract
• 1 tsp / 5ml vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp / 3g baking powder
• ½ tsp / 2.5g baking soda
• ½ tsp / 3g salt
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Pour the wet into the dry . Add the eggs and mix until just combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. For a more rustic look, you can pre-score the dough into 16 rectangular bars before baking.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Info
• Serves: 16
• Calories: 155
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 14g
• Net Carbs: 10g
Pro Tips
• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, creating a better texture.
• For an extra burst of citrus, use the zest of two oranges instead of one.
• Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will ensure clean, sharp slices and prevent them from crumbling.
• Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQ
Q: Are these orange dark chocolate cookies gluten-free
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour. To be certain, always double-check that your other ingredients like baking powder and dark chocolate are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I make individual cookies instead of bars
A: This recipe is optimized for an 8×8 pan to create soft, chewy bars. If you prefer individual cookies, you can try dropping spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, but you will need to significantly reduce the baking time and watch them closely.
Q: How do I store these cookie bars
A: Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q: What kind of granulated sweetener works best
A: You can use regular granulated sugar or a 1:1 sugar substitute like erythritol or a monk fruit blend to align with lower carb or keto diets. The nutritional information provided may vary depending on your choice.
