Measure the orange blossom water sparingly; its floral note should be subtle against the dark chocolate.
Slim orange-blossom shortbread wands are baked crisp and dipped in dark chocolate for an aromatic, easy-to-pack holiday cookie.
The recipe card lists measured ingredients, numbered steps, storage guidance, and a nutrition estimate when available. Total time includes the listed preparation, rest, baking, and cooling periods for this recipe.
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Chocolate-Dipped Orange Blossom Shortbread Wands Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- rolling pin
- pastry wheel
- baking sheets
- parchment
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Beat butter and sugar smooth; mix in orange zest and blossom water.
Continue the preparation
- Continue the preparation: Add flour and salt just until combined.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Roll dough 1/4 inch thick and cut 48 short wands about 1/2 by 3 inches.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Chill 20 minutes.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 13–16 minutes until set and pale gold.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool fully, dip one end in melted chocolate and lay flat until firm.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Cut equal-length wands so the thin ends bake evenly.
Technique & texture
Move warm cookies only after they have firmed on the sheet.
Finishing & serving
Dip a short section and let excess chocolate drip off before setting.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 5 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 5 days once chocolate sets. |
| Refrigeration | As described | Store away from heat. refrigeration may create condensation. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze shaped wands on a tray then bag up to 1 month. bake from frozen with 2 minutes extra. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked wands undipped up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw completely, dip and let set before packing. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 48 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I omit orange blossom water?
Yes; use only orange zest for a simple citrus-chocolate flavor.
Can milk chocolate replace dark?
Yes, but the final cookie will be sweeter; use the same quantity.
How do I keep the chocolate from smearing?
Let the dipped wands set fully on parchment before handling or stacking.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Shortbread Cookies collection.
