Chocolate Orange Tea Drops
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make Treats
Introduction
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the citrusy zing of orange. These bite-sized cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
History
The recipe for Chocolate Orange Tea Drops has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic combination of chocolate and orange flavors. These cookies are a favorite during the holiday season, but can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup butter or margarine (we recommend LAND O LAKES® butter)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp grated orange peel
- 1 cup vanilla extract
- 1 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® semi-sweet chocolate Morsels
How to prepare
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
- 2. Combine flour and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, cream cheese, egg, orange peel, and vanilla extract in a small mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
- 3. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the best results.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a bit of orange extract in addition to the grated orange peel.
- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Chocolate Orange Tea Drops with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cream the butter, sugar, and cream cheese together until light and fluffy for the best texture.
- Drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets using a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.
- If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the Chocolate Orange Tea Drops on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Chocolate Orange Tea Drops with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Chocolate Orange Tea Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops are a good source of iron and calcium.
Alergens
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops contain dairy and eggs.
Summary
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
Chocolate Orange Tea Drops are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and orange in a bite-sized cookie. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It all began when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own mother. She was a wonderful cook herself, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. One day, she received a visit from a dear friend who had just returned from her travels in Asia. She brought with her a box of tea leaves infused with the most delightful aroma of chocolate and orange.
As soon as my mother opened the box and brewed a pot of this tea, the entire house was filled with a warm, inviting scent that made my mouth water. I had never tasted anything quite like it before - the rich, velvety chocolate paired with the bright, citrusy notes of orange was a match made in heaven. I begged my mother to let me try a cup, and from that moment on, I was hooked.
I asked my mother's friend for the recipe, and she kindly obliged. She explained that the tea leaves were specially sourced from a small farm in the mountains of Taiwan, where the air was crisp and clean, allowing the flavors to truly shine. She also shared with me the secret ingredient that gave the tea its unique taste - dried orange peels that had been carefully preserved in sugar.
I immediately set out to recreate this tea in my own kitchen, using the recipe and tips that my mother's friend had shared with me. I carefully measured out the tea leaves, crushed the dried orange peels, and brewed the tea to perfection. The first sip brought back memories of that magical day when I first tried the chocolate orange tea, and I knew that I had found a new favorite.
Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different types of chocolate, from dark and intense to creamy and sweet. I also added a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a hint of warmth and spice. Each time I made a batch of chocolate orange tea drops, the aroma that filled my kitchen was like a warm hug from an old friend.
I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the unique flavor and comforting qualities of the tea. It became a staple at our gatherings, a special treat that we would enjoy together on cold winter nights or lazy Sunday afternoons. I even entered it into a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town's annual recipe book.
As the years went by, I continued to make my chocolate orange tea drops, always with a sense of joy and nostalgia. The recipe had become more than just a drink - it was a reminder of the friendships that had inspired me to create it, the memories of shared laughter and good times that lingered in each sip.
And so, every time I brew a pot of chocolate orange tea drops, I think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe and how it has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment over the years. It is a testament to the power of food to not only nourish our bodies but also our souls, connecting us to our past and to the people we love. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Categories
| Cream Cheese Recipes | Kid-friendly Recipes | Orange Peel Recipes | Semi-sweet Chocolate Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes |