Dark Chocolate Orange cookies Almonds and Candied Orange Peels

These cookies are just bursting with the freshness of orange. Paired with the dark chocolate flavor of cocoa powder and you have got yourself an classic Italian winning combination. 

This is another variation to Dessertfortwo's chocolate chip cookie recipe and this version happened because I realized I ran out of chocolate chips. I also just made some candied orange peel then using Bright-eyed Baker's recipe so I might as well see what I can do with what I have. 

And as expected, the cookie turned out perfectly crackled, crisp on the edges with some crunch and chew because of the almonds and candied orange peels. And since it's cheat day, I ate some of this with store bought vanilla ice cream. Cookie Ala mode, anyone?

Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies with Candied Orange Peels

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla
• zest of half an orange.
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons flour
• ⅛ teaspoon fine salt
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped candied orange peel
• 
  
• Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream the butter, shortening, brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Beat very well, about 45 seconds. Add the egg yolk, orange zest and vanilla and beat until combined.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients (except almonds and candied orange peels) and add it in 2 batches to the creamed butter, beating just to combine.
4. Stir in the almonds and candied orange peels. Portion out the dough into 12 balls. Line them up in the baking sheet 2-3 inches apart from each other and bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown on the edges.

Recipe adapted from DessertforTwo.com