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Gluten-Free Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks showing the finished dessert and its texture
Sophie Parker

Gluten-Free Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks

Buttery orange shortbread sticks with dark chocolate-dipped ends and a delicate crumb.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 36 sticks
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Orange shortbread
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • Finely grated zest of 2 medium oranges
  • 130 g softened unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 260 g plain gluten-free flour blend
  • 60 g cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum; omit if the blend contains it
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 40 g freshly squeezed orange juice
Chocolate dip
  • 150 g dark chocolate 60–70% cocoa, melted
  • 1 –2 tsp melted coconut oil optional, only if needed to thin the chocolate

Method
 

  1. Heat a conventional oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a baking tray.
  2. Rub the orange zest into the sugar. Stir in the butter and vanilla just until combined; do not whip or aerate.
  3. Sift in the flour, cornstarch, xanthan gum and salt. Mix to a dry, crumbly texture. Add the orange juice, then knead until the dough is smooth and holds together.
  4. Roll between two sheets of parchment to about 1 cm thick. Trim to a rectangle 12 cm wide, then cut into sticks roughly 12 × 1 × 1 cm. Re-roll the scraps.
  5. Transfer carefully to the lined tray, keeping the sticks straight. If needed, chill them on their parchment for 15–30 minutes to make handling easier.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until light golden with slightly darker ends. Cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
  7. Put the melted chocolate in a narrow glass. Add coconut oil only if it needs thinning. Dip about half of each stick, let excess chocolate drip away and place on parchment.
  8. Decorate the chocolate ends with thin chocolate zigzags if desired. Let the coating set before serving.

Notes

Store airtight in a cool, dry place for 1–2 weeks.
GLUTEN-FREE NOTE
Check the flour, chocolate and other packaged ingredients and prevent cross-contact. Contains milk; check chocolate for additional allergens.
Time fields are estimates. Follow the detailed baking range and allow additional time for cooling or setting as directed. Egg sizes refer to US large eggs.