If you’re lucky, you have a certain special someone who surprises you with dinner when you get home and takes out the trash without being asked. Someone who instinctively knows that you can take on the world even when you’re doubting your ability to just slog out of bed in the morning and who is happy to be hugged by you even when you’re rank with sweat from the gym. If you’re lucky, and your loved one is someone who adores chocolate, then I have the recipe for you! These chocolate shortbread cookies have a richness that’s as sweet as a kiss goodnight. A heavy dose of orange zest perfumes them making them all the more tempting (assuming you weren’t hooked by the words “chocolate” and “shortbread” already). If you’re looking for something different and chocolatey, then these are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat - or even the perfect Just Because treat - for that special someone. Add about half the flour mixture and mix on low speed. Scrape down the bottom and sides and add the rest of the flour mixture. Once incorporated mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. You may find the dough getting too soft. If it does, place it in the freezer for ten minutes to firm it up before you continue rolling or cutting. (The dough is very hard to work with when soft.) Remove the pans and allow the cookies to cool for a minute or two before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
