01 -
Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds until it's almost completely melted with a few soft pieces remaining.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
03 -
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugars on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the orange zest and vanilla, and beat on medium speed for an additional minute.
04 -
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between additions.
05 -
Turn mixing speed to low and gradually add in the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined or until a soft dough forms.
06 -
Fold in the chopped chocolate (and any shavings left on your cutting board) with a spatula.
07 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours, or overnight.
08 -
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats, and set aside.
09 -
Use a standard-size cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tbsp) to form cookie dough balls. Place onto the prepared sheets, leaving at least 2 inches in between. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
10 -
Place in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through the baking process. Remove from the oven when cookies are golden brown in color around the edges.
11 -
Let cookies cool on the pan for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.