If you love the delightful pairing of rich chocolate and bright, zesty orange, you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies are tender, buttery, and perfectly balanced with the refreshing hint of fresh orange zest wrapped up in a luscious chocolate ganache filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat with an elegant twist, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a stunning, irresistible cookie sandwich that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this classic flavor combination in a whole new way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a clear glass bowl filled with light beige dough that has a thick, creamy texture. The dough shows visible swirls and ridges where it has been stirred, with small bits of orange zest mixed throughout. A spatula with a red flexible silicone head and a wooden handle is partially buried in the dough on the right side. The bowl is positioned on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun when baking these Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies Recipe beauties. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that creates that tender crumb to the fresh orange zest that brightens every bite with vibrant citrus notes.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup (226g): Softened to room temperature for perfect creaming, giving the cookies their rich, tender texture.
Confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup (120g): Adds sweetness and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth finish to the dough.
Fresh orange zest, 1½ tablespoons: The star flavor that infuses the dough with juicy, aromatic citrus brightness.
Large egg, 1: Provides structure and moisture to the dough for the ideal cookie crumb.
Large egg yolk, 1: Boosts richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
Pure vanilla extract, 1½ teaspoons: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and orange flavors.
All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250g): The foundation of the dough, providing structure without toughness.
Coarse sparkling sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a sparkly, festive finish and a slight crunch.
Heavy cream, 2/3 cup (160ml): Used to create the luscious ganache filling that complements the orange zest perfectly.
Semi-sweet chocolate, 6 ounces (170g): Finely chopped to melt smoothly, forming the rich, decadent ganache.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by beating the softened butter until creamy and smooth—it’s the base that makes these cookies so buttery tender. Add the confectioners’ sugar and fresh orange zest, mixing until well combined to infuse the dough with that signature citrus aroma. Then, beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt, ensuring everything comes together evenly. Finally, incorporate the flour on low speed to avoid toughening the dough, increasing speed carefully until it forms a very soft dough ready to roll.

Step 2: Roll and Chill the Dough

Generously flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out between parchment or on a silicone mat to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. Remember to keep the dough well-floured to prevent sticking, and a sheet of parchment on top can help the rolling pin glide smoothly. Transfer the rolled dough with its parchment onto a baking sheet, then refrigerate for at least three hours or up to two days—this chilling solidifies the dough, making it easier to cut and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 3: Cut and Bake

Once chilled, use a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter to stamp out your cookies. Don’t worry about the scraps—just re-roll and cut again to make the most of your dough. Arrange your cookies spaced about two inches apart on prepared baking sheets. If you like a bit of sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar on the tops and press lightly. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges turn a very light golden color. They won’t brown much on top, so watch for the subtle cues. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

This ganache is what transforms these cookies from tasty to utterly divine. Heat the heavy cream gently until it barely simmers, then pour it over finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir slowly until silky smooth. Allow the ganache to cool and thicken for at least 45 minutes so it’s thick enough to pipe or spread without running everywhere—it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a knife if you want to keep things simple), pipe or spread a generous dollop of ganache onto the flat side of half your cookies. Gently press the other cookie on top, sandwiching in that creamy chocolate filling. Press just enough to spread the ganache evenly to the edges without squeezing it out messily. These little sandwich gems are now ready for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies Recipe

A stack of four light beige sandwich cookies with a visible dark brown chocolate filling between two soft round cookie layers stands on a white plate with a scalloped edge, while one cookie with a bite taken out of it rests on top of the stack, showing the crumbly texture of the cookie and the smooth chocolate layer inside. Around the plate, a few more cookies lie flat, displaying the same two-layer look with slightly sprinkled sugar and small orange zest bits on the top cookie surfaces. The setting has a clean look with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a final touch of elegance by dusting the tops lightly with a bit of extra orange zest or a few chocolate shavings. A sprinkle of coarse sparkling sugar right after baking adds a festive crunch and a shimmer that catches the eye, making these cookies irresistible on any dessert plate.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cup of rich espresso, bright afternoon tea, or a glass of cold milk to contrast their indulgent, buttery sweetness. They also pair beautifully with fresh orange slices or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert duo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, arrange the cookies in a pretty tin with parchment paper, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon. You could also sandwich the cookies with different flavored ganaches, such as a splash of Grand Marnier in the chocolate, to surprise your guests with new flavor combos. Presentation is half the fun, so get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This lets the cookies stay tender and the ganache maintain that just-right creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies in an airtight container for up to a month. For best results, freeze the individual cookies before assembling, then thaw and fill with ganache closer to serving. This helps keep the cookies at their freshest and ensures the ganache doesn’t get too hard or soft during freezing.

Reheating

Although these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them just slightly warmed, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the ganache slightly and enhances the flavors without melting the cookies or making them too soft.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?

While fresh orange zest gives the most vibrant and natural citrus flavor, you can substitute with a small amount of orange extract if needed. Use about ½ teaspoon of extract, but keep in mind it’s more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal because it balances sweetness and richness perfectly. You can experiment with bittersweet or milk chocolate, but adjust the cream quantity slightly to get the right ganache consistency.

How soft is the cookie dough supposed to be?

This dough is intentionally very soft—rest assured this softness means the cookies will be tender and melt-in-your-mouth after baking. Just be sure to chill the dough properly so it’s easier to handle and cut into shapes.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream. Use dairy-free chocolate as well. The texture may vary slightly but the chocolate-orange flavor will still shine!

What is the best way to pipe the ganache?

Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, such as a Wilton #12, for controlled, neat dollops that won’t squish out unevenly. If you don’t have a piping bag, a small spoon or spreading knife also works—just take your time for even coverage.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about combining the bright zest of fresh orange with velvety, rich chocolate in these Chocolate Orange Sandwich Cookies Recipe treats. They are both comforting and sophisticated, easy enough for a weekend bake but special enough to delight guests. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you’ll discover a new favorite cookie that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring all on your own. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!