Cookie season is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful times of the year. Baking cookies transforms into something truly magical during the holidays. They become special projects for weekends, gifts for neighbors, and sweet treats to enjoy with friends over a cup of hot chocolate. Among these, Chocolate Orange Shortbread Linzer Cookies stand out as some of the best delights of the season.

If you haven't experienced the joy of foil-wrapped chocolate orange slices, let me share just how special they are. The balance of bright, tangy orange with sweet chocolate creates a perfect flavor harmony. As I prepped for our holiday cookie swap, I felt inspired to recreate my fond memories of chocolate oranges in cookie form. These cookies are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, leaving everyone impressed.

ingredients for cookiesorange shortbread dough

Understanding Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are the quintessential sandwich cookie. They originate from Austrian traditions and are typically made with a spiced, jam-filled structure. My version strays a bit from tradition, but the essence remains: a crumbly shortbread base, a luscious filling, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

These cookies feature a rich buttery shortbread with flecks of orange zest for extra flavor. A simple yet decadent chocolate ganache serves as the filling, topped with a sprinkle of sugar. For those who prefer, you can swap the ganache for jam or even use an orange curd for a more citrus-focused treat.

chocolate orange shortbread cookieschocolate orange shortbread linzer cookieschocolate orange shortbread linzer cookieschocolate orange shortbread linzer cookies

Tips for Crafting Shortbread Linzer Cookies

Creating a buttery sandwich cookie can seem daunting. Consistent cookie size is key—no one wants uneven cookies from the oven! But there's no need to stress; I've got some handy tips to simplify the process. Pro tip: your refrigerator will be your ally.

This dough starts out quite soft. To shape your cookies, place the mixture on a piece of parchment paper, cover with another sheet, and roll it out with a pin to your desired thickness. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup easier. After rolling, refrigerate the dough for about thirty minutes until firm. Then, cut out your shapes while the dough is still cold, and bake right away.

Using firm dough makes cutting easier and prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies keep their lovely shapes for perfect sandwiches.

chocolate orange shortbread linzer cookies

Making Chocolate Ganache

I love kitchen shortcuts. For the ganache, warm milk or cream in the microwave in 15-second intervals. Then, pour it over chopped chocolate and let it sit until melted. Stir until smooth and thick.

If your ganache is too thin, simply add more chocolate. If it's too thick, mix in a bit of warm milk gradually. As a last resort, I'll just spread melted chocolate on top, and it'll still taste amazing. Adding a bit of orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier enhances the flavor even more.

chocolate orange shortbread linzer cookieschocolate orange shortbread linzer cookies

Holiday Cookies for Your Cookie Swap

While I'm excited to bring these linzer cookies to my holiday gatherings, I have a few other favorites ready to go.

Chocolate peppermint snowball cookies are a must for chocolate fans.

My slice-and-bake cookies with cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate are always a hit.

For two years, I've baked these gingery molasses cookies, and they never disappoint.

If you're still looking for something sweet, grab our free Holiday Cookie Guide featuring ten recipes from talented food bloggers and recipe creators.

chocolate orange shortbread linzer cookies

Check out the recipe below, and if you try these Chocolate Orange Shortbread Linzer Cookies, please leave a rating and review!

Description

These chocolate orange sandwich cookies are a delightful holiday indulgence.

Ingredients

for the cookies:

  • 2 sticks salted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups flour (270g)
  • Powdered sugar for garnish

for the orange chocolate ganache:

  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • optional: small splash of Grand Marnier

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and orange zest. Beat on low speed for about 10 seconds to mix.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low-medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed. Avoid overmixing to prevent excess air.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing on low at first, then increase to medium until the dough comes together without overbeating.
  4. On a flat piece of parchment, shape the dough into a rectangle. Cover with another parchment sheet and roll to about ¼-½ inch thick. Chill flat in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour until firm. Chilling is crucial to prevent spreading during baking.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  6. Remove dough from the fridge and peel off the parchment. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If cutting out shapes with holes, use a smaller cutter on half of the cookies. If the dough warms up, return it to the fridge.
  7. Bake for 12-13 minutes at 350°F. Let cool completely.
  8. To prepare the ganache, place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the milk in a microwave-safe container in 15-second increments until warm, about 45 seconds—don't let it boil! Pour the warm milk over the chocolate and let sit until melted. Stir gently until thick and spreadable. Adjust consistency as needed with chocolate or milk. Stir in orange zest and let cool completely.
  9. To assemble, spread ganache on one cookie and sandwich it with another that has a cutout. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 15