Zingy Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet and zesty orange cranberry ricotta cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats.

Soft cheese brings unexpected moisture to every bite.

Cranberries add vibrant bursts of tangy flavor that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant recipe.

Each cookie promises a perfect balance between creamy ricotta and bright citrus notes.

Delicate textures meld with robust fruit undertones for an irresistible experience.

You’ll find these cookies impossible to resist after just one taste.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or dried cranberries in this recipe?

Fresh or dried cranberries work great. If using fresh, chop them slightly. Dried cranberries will distribute more evenly throughout the cookie dough.

• How do I get the best orange flavor in these cookies?

Use fresh orange zest instead of extract. Grate the zest directly from an orange for the most vibrant and authentic citrus taste. The zest contains concentrated oils that provide intense flavor.

• What type of ricotta cheese works best?

Use whole milk ricotta for the richest, creamiest texture. Drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before mixing to prevent watery cookie dough. Avoid low-fat versions for the best results.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Bursting with Flavor

• Customize with Ease: Personalize these orange cranberry ricotta cookies by adding different zests or swapping cranberries for other dried fruits to match your taste preferences.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delightful cookies in minimal time, making them perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests without complex preparation steps.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its soft texture and balanced sweet-tangy flavor profile.
• Versatile Occasion Delight: Serve these cookies at brunches, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a casual afternoon snack that everyone will appreciate and enjoy.

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the cake.
• Water: Helps to hydrate and bind the cake mix ingredients.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Egg Whites: Provide structure and help the cake rise while keeping it light.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the coffee mixture.
• Hot Water: Dissolves the sugar and creates the liquid for soaking the cake.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor and adds depth to the cake.
• Coffee Liqueur: Optional ingredient that enhances the coffee flavor with a subtle alcoholic touch.

• Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a light, airy frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the frosting.
• Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor and color to the frosting.
• Whole Coffee Beans: Serves as a decorative and flavorful garnish on top of the cake.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking These Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution and eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process creates a smooth base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest

Mix until all components are fully blended and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently to prevent overmixing, which can make cookies tough. The batter should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold chopped cranberries into the cookie dough. Distribute them evenly to ensure each cookie has a burst of tangy flavor.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place baking sheets in a preheated oven. Bake until cookie edges turn light golden brown and centers appear set.

The aroma of orange and cranberry will fill your kitchen.

Step 8: Create Glaze

While cookies cool, prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, orange juice, and a touch of orange zest.

Whisk until smooth and slightly runny.

Step 9: Drizzle and Decorate

Once cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.

Sprinkle additional dried cranberry pieces for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a serving platter.

These tender, zesty cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.

Tips to Get Perfect Texture and Taste

• Add extra orange zest to intensify the citrusy notes in the cookies, creating a brighter, more vibrant taste.
• Let ricotta cheese sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, creamier texture in the dough.
• Toss dried cranberries in a little flour before adding to the cookie batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact, tender cookie.
• Drizzle a light orange-flavored glaze over cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and citrus punch.

Variations to Personalize Your Cookies

• Zesty Cranberry Burst: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a tangy, bright flavor profile that complements the cranberries and ricotta.
• Almond Cranberry Crunch: Mix chopped almonds into the cookie dough and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and nutty undertones.
• Spiced Winter Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to create a warm, seasonal spin on the classic ricotta cookie.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies, then sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a decadent finish.

Pairing Ideas for Cookies and Drinks

• Sip Citrus-Infused Tea: Brew a light orange or bergamot tea that echoes the orange zest in the cookies, enhancing the citrusy undertones and refreshing the palate.
• Indulge with Chocolate Accompaniment: Serve dark chocolate truffles or a mild chocolate mousse that balances the tangy cranberry and creamy ricotta with rich, smooth notes.
• Enjoy Fruit-Forward Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Moscato that highlights the cookie's bright cranberry flavor and provides a delicate, sweet counterpoint to the ricotta's richness.
• Create Vanilla Cream Pairing: Drizzle a light vanilla custard or whipped cream alongside the cookies to complement their soft texture and add a subtle sweetness.

Proper Storage for Cookie Freshness

Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.

Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Warm cookies gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

Add small piece of bread in storage container to help maintain cookie softness and prevent them from becoming dry or stale during refrigeration.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies sparkle with zesty citrus and tart berries, creating a perfect holiday treat. Sweet Italian cheese and festive flavors blend seamlessly, promising pure enjoyment in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 16.25 ounces (461 grams) white cake mix
• 1.5 cups (354 ml) water
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature

Coffee Drizzle Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) hot water
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) espresso powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coffee-flavored liqueur (Kahlua, optional)

Mascarpone Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) mascarpone cheese
• 4 cups (960 ml) cold heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (7 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• Whole coffee beans (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to temperature specified on cake mix package.
2. Thoroughly grease and dust cake pans with flour to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend white cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and egg whites, following package mixing instructions until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans, ensuring uniform thickness.
5. Bake according to package time and temperature guidelines, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely within the pans, maintaining structural integrity.
7. Create coffee syrup by dissolving granulated sugar in hot water and mixing with espresso powder until fully integrated.
8. Optional: Enhance syrup with coffee liqueur for additional depth of flavor.
9. Once cakes have reached room temperature, generously drizzle coffee mixture over each layer.
10. Prepare mascarpone frosting by whisking mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until achieving stiff, peaks form.
11. Gently incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder into frosting, maintaining light texture.
12. Apply mascarpone frosting to first cake layer, ensuring even coverage.
13. Carefully position second cake layer atop the frosted base.
14. Completely enrobe cake with remaining mascarpone frosting, creating smooth exterior.
15. Decorate top with whole coffee beans for elegant presentation.
16. Refrigerate cake for minimum one hour to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.
17. Serve chilled, savoring the rich, complex flavor profile of this tiramisu-inspired dessert.

Notes

• Add extra orange zest to intensify the citrusy flavor and create a more vibrant taste profile.
• Replace dried cranberries with fresh ones for a juicier and more pronounced fruity texture.
• Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 44 mg