Chocolate Orange Tea Drops
Chocolate orange tea drops are delightful, bite-sized cookies combining rich semi-sweet chocolate with zesty orange flavor, perfect for tea time, holidays, or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix butter, cream cheese, sugar, egg, orange rind, and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift flour and salt together, then stir into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate pieces until thoroughly mixed.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough about 1 inch apart onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until cookies are delicately browned at the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is soft but not melted. You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor. If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate, dark or milk chocolate chips work well too. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the orange flavor, making it more aromatic. Remember to space the dough properly on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Orange Tea Drops are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider serving them alongside a fruit platter or a light dessert like Dot Hinshaw's Peach Ice Cream for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great addition to any dessert table or holiday cookie platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contains roughly 27 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheet when you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in portioned balls and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of orange rind?
If you don’t have orange rind, lemon zest is a great substitute, providing a different but equally refreshing citrus flavor. You could also use a splash of orange juice or even flavored extracts, like almond or vanilla, to create a unique twist on the recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned and the centers look set but still soft. They may appear slightly underbaked in the center; they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy and delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).