These Chocolate Orange Brownies are rich, fudgy, chocolatey brownies with a nice burst of citrus! The brownies are perfect for Chocolate Orange lovers, they feel a little fancy, and totally irresistible. Plus they’re surprisingly easy to make!
I love the combination or orange and chocolate. Give me all the Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, or jelly orange sticks. Plus these Chocolate Orange Cookies! These Chocolate Orange Brownies have the same great flavors, and they come together in the best fudgy brownie! Absolutely divine!
I grew up receiving Orange sticks every year in my Christmas stocking. I could easily eat the whole box before Christmas day was over. When Craig and I were on vacation in Spain, we visited a local market, and they had an orange fudge. It might’ve been the best thing ever. But for now, these brownies…
Why make this recipe
- Dream Combo: Chocolate and Orange are one of my favorite flavor combos. Rich, citrusy, decadent, and so delicious.
- Perfect for any Occasion: These brownies feel a little fancy, but are so easy. They’re perfect for a holiday party, or easy enough for a weeknight of baking.
- Quick and Easy: In less than an hour you can have these delicious homemade brownies, no boxed mix needed!
Ingredients Needed
This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Chocolate Orange Brownie Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Orange Zest – Adds a real, fresh orange flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies
- Brown Sugar – Adds extra sweetness, and a little extra chewiness to the texture
- Unsalted Butter – Melting the butter gives the brownies the best rich, fudgy texture
- Eggs – Gives structure and helps hold everything together
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a little extra flavor
- All Purpose Flour – Just enough to hold the batter together
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – To give the brownies their chocolatey base.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness
- Chocolate Orange Candy – If you can’t find this, you can use a chopped chocolate bar, it will give the brownies a little less of the chocolate orange flavor
How to make Orange Chocolate Brownies
Step 1: Make Orange Sugar. Mix the Orange Zest in a medium bowl with the granulated sugar. Press the orange zest into the sugar with a rubber spatula to get all the oils out. Once mixed, add in the brown sugar, and mix until combined.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients. Melt the butter in the microwave and mix the sugars into the melted butter. Mix together for 2 to 3 minutes. Then mix in the eggs, and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add them into the wet ingredients and fold gently until combined. Fold in the chocolate pieces.
Step 4: Bake. Pour the batter into a lined and greased 8in square pan, and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean, or with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan then slice and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don’t Overbake: Fudgy brownies are the goal, so keep an eye on the brownies the last few minutes, checking them often to ensure you don’t overbake the brownies.
- For Clean Slices: To get the cleanest slices, let your brownies cool to room temperature, then cool then in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes, then slice the brownies. also make sure to use a sharp greased knife, and clean between slices.
- Double the Recipe: For even more brownies, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan. This will increase the baking time to about 30-40 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze individual brownies by wrapping them in plastic wrap, then in foil, or a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw each brownie individually overnight in the fridge, then enjoy chilled, or microwave to enjoy warm.
These Chocolate Orange Brownies are everything you didn’t know you needed in a dessert. They’re rich, fudgy, and packed with the zesty flavor of orange, that makes these unforgettable! Perfect when you’re baking for the holidays, or just treating yourself.
More Brownie Recipes
- French Silk Brownies
- Butterfinger Brownies
- Brownie Batter Dip Recipe
- Andes Mint Brownie Cookies
- Zucchini Brownies with Frosting
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- Cosmic Brownie Ice Cream
Orange Brownies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 TBS fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter (slightly cooled)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz chopped orange chocolate (or chopped chocolate for a less strong flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, and spray with nonstick spray.
- Add the granulated sugar and orange zest to a bowl and use a fork to stir them together until well mixed, pressing the orange zest into the sugar to release the oils. 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 TBS fresh orange zest
- Add in the brown sugar and stir until combined. 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Add the melted butter to the sugar and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter starts to cool down, and thickens a bit. 1/2 cup melted butter
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the dry ingredients into a medium bowl, and whisk them together. 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp salt
- Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add in the chopped orange chocolate and fold it into the chocolate batter until evenly mixed. 4 oz chopped orange chocolate
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan and spread the batter evenly on the top.
- Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle has a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Don’t Overbake: Fudgy brownies are the goal, so keep an eye on the brownies the last few minutes, checking them often to ensure you don’t overbake the brownies.
- For Clean Slices: To get the cleanest slices, let your brownies cool to room temperature, then cool then in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes, then slice the brownies. also make sure to use a sharp greased knife, and clean between slices.
- Double the Recipe: For even more brownies, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan. This will increase the baking time to about 30-40 minutes.
Nutrition
These Chocolate Orange Brownies were first posted on August 12, 2014. The photos and blog text were updated for clarity on December 13, 2024.
Beverly Roderick says
My husband loves the chocolate/orange combination. He’s going to be happy when I make these. I would never have thought of doing this. Very clever!
Ellen Garrett says
Glad I am not the only one, I hope he finds them delicious.
Janet says
I will give these a go. I like the ease of using a box mix. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Ellen Garrett says
Let me know what you think.