Vegan Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies

Normally I am all about the vanilla, but lately I have been in the mood to make chocolate desserts, including these Vegan Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies I recently made.  I used to make vegan double chocolate cookies at my last job and they were always delicious, but I thought why not make them with orange added since citrus is in season and so delicious right now?  I always loved those chocolate oranges as a kid, so I love the combo of chocolate and orange.

I love making cookies sometimes because they are so quick and easy (at least this kind which is mix, roll and bake) and these are no exception.  They have plenty of cacao powder in them to give them a rich chocolate flavor. For the flour I used all purpose, but you could use gluten free all purpose baking flour if you wanted to make them gluten free.  I recommend Bob's Red Mill gluten free all purpose baking flour which I have tried and swapped 1:1 with success.  I used granulated sugar in these, but you could use maple sugar or coconut sugar for less processed options.

I added plenty of orange in the form of juice and zest as well as orange extract so that it has the right amount of aromatic orange flavor.  I also added vanilla to make these even more heavenly and since I believe it belongs in pretty much most desserts. These use coconut oil as the fat, but if you are not a fan of the flavor of coconut oil (it is not strong, it is very subtle however I know some people don't like it), you could sub melted vegan butter such as Earth balance instead.

The dough for these was so heavenly, and honestly the dough is my favorite part of baking cookies!  That and the heavenly aroma they fill my kitchen with!  I could not wait to try them!  Luckily with cookies like these they are best if they are slightly warm so I didn't have to wait long. There is nothing better then a ooey gooey cookie with melted chocolate chips! These were so delicious!  Rich chocolate flavor, scented with sweet orange and vanilla filled with rich dark chocolate chips!  They are perfect with a cup of coffee!  If you are a fan of chocolate and orange definitely give these Vegan Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies a try!

Vegan Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies

Makes 16

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 Tbsp orange juice
• 2 Tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees, and line two sheet pans with foil.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut oil, sugar, apple sauce, orange juice and zest and vanilla extract until well blended.
3. Mix in the salt, baking soda and baking powder then the flour and cocoa powder until smooth.
4. Mix in the chocolate chips.
5. Form the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on the cookie trays about 2 inches apart.
6. Press the dough balls down slightly.
7. Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes, then rotate them and bake another 7 or so until the cookies are done and lightly brown at the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 15 minutes before enjoying.