There’s something undeniably uplifting about the bright burst of citrus that fills the air as you zest fresh oranges. The moment those shimmering strands of orange peel meet the sugar in my mixing bowl, I can’t help but smile, knowing a delightful treat is on the horizon. Enter these Gluten-Free Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks—a joyful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just seeking to brighten your afternoon with a sweet indulgence, these cookie sticks are incredibly simple to make and brimming with flavor. With their buttery crumb, zesty refreshment, and a luscious dark chocolate dip, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the gluten-free aspect makes them a crowd-pleaser for everyone—no one has to miss out on these crispy delights. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will transform your snack time from ordinary to extraordinary!
Why are these Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks irresistible?
Bright, Zesty Flavor: The infusion of fresh orange zest adds a refreshing twist to classic shortbread.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, everyone can indulge happily!
Easy to Make: Whip them up in just 30 minutes for a delightful treat.
Dipping Delight: Pair these cookies with rich, melted dark chocolate for an unbeatable combination.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts, these cookie sticks are sure to enchant guests!
Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your delightful orange shortbread cookie sticks!
For the Cookie Dough
• 100 g caster/superfine or granulated sugar – Essential for sweetness and a delightful texture.
• Zest of 2 medium oranges – Adds a refreshing and aromatic citrus flavor.
• 130 g unsalted butter, softened – Ensures a rich, buttery crumb in the cookies.
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste – Enhances the overall flavor with warm notes.
• 260 g plain gluten free flour blend – The key to achieving that perfect cookie consistency without gluten.
• 60 g cornstarch – Helps create a tender texture in your cookie sticks.
• ½ tsp xanthan gum – Provides structure and elasticity for the gluten-free dough.
• ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 40 g orange juice, freshly squeezed – Brings moisture and intensifies the orange flavor.
For the Chocolate Dip
• 150 g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), melted – Adds a luscious, rich layer perfect for dipping.
• 1-2 tsp melted coconut oil (optional) – Use to thin out the chocolate for easier dipping if needed.
Dive into these ingredients and get ready to spread some joy with your homemade orange shortbread cookie sticks!
How to Make Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks
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Preheat the oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position, preheat to 350ºF (180ºC), and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking!
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Combine sugar and zest: In a large bowl, add the sugar and the zest of two medium oranges. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until fragrant. This step infuses your sugar with bright citrus notes!
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Mix in butter and vanilla: Add the softened butter and vanilla bean paste to the sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy, inviting a lovely aroma into your kitchen.
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Sift dry ingredients: Sift in the gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, xanthan gum, and salt into the bowl. Gently mix until the blend resembles a crumbly mixture—this means it’s coming together beautifully!
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Add orange juice: Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice and mix until the dough begins to form. You want it to be moist but not sticky, so adjust as needed.
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Knead the dough: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it forms a smooth ball that holds together. This should take about 1-2 minutes—don’t overwork it!
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Roll out the dough: Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle approximately 1 cm thick and just over 12 cm wide. This will shape it perfectly for cookie sticks!
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Cut the cookie sticks: Using a sharp knife, trim the dough to 12 cm wide, then cut it into sticks about 1 cm wide. Try to make them uniform for even baking!
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Transfer to baking sheet: Carefully transfer the cookie sticks onto the lined baking sheet, arranging them fairly close together but not touching to allow for spreading.
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Bake to perfection: Place in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the sticks are light golden all over, filling your home with that wonderful bakery aroma.
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Cool down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking.
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Prepare chocolate dip: If your melted chocolate seems too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency for dipping.
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Dip the cookie sticks: Transfer the melted chocolate into a narrow container. Dip each cookie stick one at a time, shaking off excess chocolate before placing them back onto the lined baking sheet.
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Decorate (optional): Feel free to decorate with leftover chocolate drizzles or colorful sprinkles for an eye-catching finish!
Optional: Sprinkle some sea salt on top after dipping for a delightful sweet and salty contrast!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks Variations
Feel free to experiment and make these delightful treats your own with these fun twists!
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Nutty Bliss: Add 50 g of finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
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Herbie Fresh: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a herbaceous note that complements the orange beautifully.
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Citrus Medley: Substitute lemon or lime zest for some or all of the orange zest to create a refreshing citrus variety that’s equally delightful.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy undertone that adds depth to the sweetness.
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Creamy Dreams: Use half of the butter with cream cheese for a rich, tangy twist that amps up the creaminess of the cookie sticks.
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Sugar Substitution: For a healthier option, try substituting coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
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Dark Chocolate Twist: Experiment with different varieties of chocolate—try using white chocolate or milk chocolate for a sweeter dip that delights.
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Fruit Salsa Dip: Pair these cookies with a refreshing fruit salsa made of diced strawberries and kiwis for a fruity, vibrant contrast to the buttery texture!
Each variation adds its own charm, making these cookie sticks a canvas for your culinary creativity!
How to Store and Freeze Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks
Room Temperature: Store leftover cookie sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crisp texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week; just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the cookie sticks in a single layer, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the frozen cookie sticks in a preheated oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their delightful crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal sweet treat for busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just follow the initial steps until you’ve kneaded the dough into a smooth ball. Wrap the formed dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll it out, cut the sticks, and pop them in the oven. If you’d like, you can also dip the cooled cookie sticks in chocolate ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks
- Use Fresh Oranges: Zest and juice fresh oranges to capture the brightest flavor possible, ensuring your cookie sticks are irresistibly zesty.
- Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature; this helps create a smooth dough. Cold butter will lead to a crumbly texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dough, mix just until combined; overly working it can create tough cookie sticks instead of the desired tenderness.
- Uniform Size: Cut your cookie sticks to the same width for even baking; uneven sizes can result in some overbaking while others are undercooked.
- Let It Cool: Don’t rush cooling after baking—the cookies need time to firm up completely on the wire rack, or they may break easily when dipped.
- Chocolate Consistency: If your melted chocolate is too thick for dipping, the addition of coconut oil can help! This keeps the chocolate smooth and easy to work with.
Enjoy making your Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks!
What to Serve with Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks?
Creating a delightful dessert experience is simple with these sweet, zesty treats at the center of your table.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds a juicy burst, balancing the cookie’s buttery texture and citrus flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm, freshly dipped cookie sticks, elevating every bite.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai enhance the orange’s brightness, creating a cozy pairing to enjoy by the fire or during a rainy afternoon.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For a luxurious touch, pair these cookies with chocolate-covered strawberries for a delightful chocolate and citrus combination.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing glass of bubbly lemonade refreshes the palate, making your snack time feel like a festive occasion.
- Nutty Trail Mix: The crunch of a nutty trail mix offers a satisfying texture that’s perfect alongside the crisp cookie sticks, adding healthful balance.
- Fruit Salad: Bright, colorful fruit salad adds freshness and a splash of flavor, enhancing the overall experience while balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Espresso: A shot of espresso offers a bold kick that complements the zesty flavors of the cookies and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate Mousse: For a rich dessert experience, serve chocolate mousse as a decadent complement, enhancing the chocolate dipped cookie sticks perfectly.
Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting oranges for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose bright oranges with smooth skins, free from dark spots or blemishes. The zest is crucial for flavor, so ensure they’re fresh and aromatic. You want juicy oranges for the best juice flavor, too—avoid dry or overly soft ones.
How can I store leftover Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks?
For sure! Store your leftover cookie sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying—they’ll taste delicious!
Can I freeze these cookie sticks for later?
Yes! To freeze your Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their delightful crunch!
What if my cookie dough is too crumbly or too sticky?
Great question! If your dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of orange juice or a touch of melted butter to bring it together. On the other hand, if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more gluten-free flour blend, mixing as you go until you achieve a smooth, workable dough.
Are these cookie sticks safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes, these Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks can be made nut-free! Just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that doesn’t contain any nut flours, as many blends can include various ingredients. Always check labels if you’re serving those with allergies to ensure they’re safe!
How can I customize these cookie sticks for dietary preferences?
Definitely! You can make these cookie sticks vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For lower sugar content, you might explore using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Enjoy experimenting—I often do!
Delicious Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks for a Sweet Treat
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and zest of two medium oranges, rubbing them together until fragrant.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla bean paste, mixing until well combined.
- Sift in the gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, xanthan gum, and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Pour in the orange juice, mixing until the dough forms a moist but not sticky consistency.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Roll out the dough between parchment paper to about 1 cm thick and 12 cm wide.
- Cut into sticks about 1 cm wide and transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until light golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- If thick, adjust melted chocolate with optional coconut oil for dipping.
- Dip each stick in the chocolate, shaking off excess.
- Optionally decorate with chocolate drizzles or sprinkles.