In the world of desserts, jumbles are often overlooked, yet they hold a delightful charm reminiscent of childhood treats. My fascination with jumbles sparked from a journey to a quaint bakery, where the aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with hints of citrus and spices. Inspired by that experience, I decided to elevate this traditional cookie by incorporating rich chocolate and a zesty glaze that dances on the palate.

This recipe pairs the comforting chewiness of jumbles with a decadent chocolate base, topped with a spiced citrus glaze that brings a refreshing twist. Prepare to indulge in a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Jumbles:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Spiced Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

To create the Chocolate Jumbles, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans if using. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating a luscious, gooey texture.

Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The jumbles will spread, so give them room to grow.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still appear slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cookies cool, you can prepare the Spiced Citrus Glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Once the jumbles are completely cooled, drizzle the spiced citrus glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

These Chocolate Jumbles with Spiced Citrus Glaze are not just a treat; they are a journey through flavors that transport you to a sunny citrus grove while indulging in rich chocolate. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee and share the joy of this unique dessert with friends and family!