Recipe: Cookies with Mango Chunks and Orange Zest

Recipe: Cookies with Mango Chunks and Orange Zest

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cookie, look no further than these cookies with chunks of dried mango and a hint of orange zest. These tropical cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering the perfect balance of sweetness from the mango and a zesty citrus punch from the orange zest. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with fruity goodness.

This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to impress your friends, family, or anyone who enjoys a homemade treat. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even as a gift, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried mango, chopped into small chunks
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Dried Mango
   Start by chopping the dried mango into small, bite-sized chunks. These will be mixed into the cookie dough, so you want them to be small enough that they blend well into the dough but still big enough to provide chewy bites in the final cookie.

2. Zest the Orange
   Use a fine grater or zester to remove the zest from one orange. Be careful not to zest too deeply, as you only want the outer layer of the peel, which contains the aromatic oils.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla
   Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully combined.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together.

4. Add the Mango and Orange Zest
   Gently fold in the chopped mango chunks and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re adding oats for extra texture, mix them in at this point as well.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Shape the Dough
   Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

3. Bake the Cookies
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center of the cookies may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

4. Cool the Cookies
   Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to serve! These cookies make a perfect afternoon snack or a special treat to serve guests. The combination of mango and orange zest gives them a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

2. Store
   Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips and Variations

1. Customize the Fruit
   If you don’t have dried mango, you can substitute it with other dried fruits like apricots, peaches, or even dried papaya. Just make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces so they blend well into the dough.

2. Add Nuts
   If you love a little crunch in your cookies, consider adding some chopped nuts such as cashews, macadamias, or almonds. These pair beautifully with the tropical fruit flavor.

3. Use Coconut
   For an added tropical twist, you can incorporate shredded coconut into the dough. This will give the cookies a chewier texture and an extra layer of coconut flavor that complements the mango and orange zest.

Health Benefits

1. Mango
   Mango is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which support immune function and skin health. It’s also high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.

2. Orange Zest
   Orange zest contains antioxidants and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a refreshing, citrusy flavor to the cookies while offering health benefits.

3. Oats (Optional)
   Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. They also provide energy and keep you feeling full longer.

Conclusion

These cookies with mango chunks and orange zest are a delightful treat that combines tropical sweetness with citrusy brightness. The soft, chewy texture and the burst of fruity flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Try this recipe today and experience the delicious harmony of mango and orange zest in every bite!