Chocolate Chip Cookies

🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Zesty Twist — Rainy Day Comfort Baking
When the weather cools down after a hot day, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. My husband recently asked me to bake chocolate chip cookies—partly because our chocolate was nearing its expiration date, and partly because, well, who doesn’t love cookies?

This recipe is a classic with a twist: candied orange peel adds a subtle citrus zing that pairs beautifully with melty chocolate. But don’t worry—if you don’t have orange peel on hand, the base recipe is just as delicious.

 
🍊 Ingredients (Makes 8 thick cookies)
100g unsalted butter
100g caster sugar
30g granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla sugar
220g flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp sea salt
40g candied orange peel (optional)
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (amount to taste)
 
🧁 Instructions
Cream the butter and sugars: Mix the butter, caster sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla sugar until well combined.
Dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
Add-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and candied orange peel by hand.
Shape the dough: Form the dough into a ball, then roll it into a long snake.
Divide: Cut into 8 equal parts, starting from the center for even sizing.
Chill: Roll each piece into a ball and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 170°C (338°F) for 15 minutes.
Finishing touch: While the cookies are still soft, press in a few extra chocolate chips for that bakery-style look.
Cool slightly and enjoy warm!
 
💡 Baking Tips
Use chopped chocolate if you don’t have chips—it melts beautifully and adds texture.
Customize: Swap orange peel for dried cranberries, nuts, or leave it out entirely.
Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days—or freeze the dough balls for future rainy days.
 
I usually adjust recipes based on what’s in the fridge, and this one is no exception. The candied orange peel was a freezer find, and it turned out to be a delicious addition. 

So next time the skies turn grey, grab your mixing bowl and bake up a batch of these cozy cookies. They’re so yummy—and perfect with a cup of tea, coffee or milk. 

Here’s a collection of the things I use every day — from my camera gear to kitchen tools and home items.
You can find them here in my Amazon Storefront:

Amazon storefront