The Zestiest Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe Ever
Sweet and tangy zesty orange cranberry ricotta cookies promise a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats.
Bursts of citrus dance alongside tart cranberry pieces in this unexpected cookie creation.
Creamy ricotta adds a luxurious texture that melts softly with each bite.
Bright orange zest provides a refreshing kick that makes these cookies stand out from ordinary recipes.
Bakers looking for something special will adore how these cookies combine familiar comfort with surprising flavor profiles.
Soft, pillowy, and packed with vibrant ingredients, you’ll want to share these delectable morsels with everyone you know.
Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that breaks all the classic rules.
Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies with a Kick
Ingredients for Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
For the Dry Ingredients:For the Wet Ingredients:For the Mix-Ins and Glaze:How to Bake Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
Step 1: Craft the Dry Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended. This creates a smooth, lump-free foundation for your cookies.
Step 2: Create a Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add these ingredients:Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in chopped cranberries.
Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour to make shaping easier.
Step 3: Prepare and Bake
Warm up the oven to 350F (175C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, placing them 2 inches apart.
Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges as your cue that they’re ready.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Step 4: Finish with a Tangy Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together until you achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some fresh orange zest on top if you’d like.
Tips to Perfect Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
Variations to Brighten Up Ricotta Cookies
Pairings That Enhance Ricotta Cookies Flavor
Best Storage Practices for Ricotta Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soft cookies from drying out.
Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.
Preheat oven to 275F, arrange cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore original softness and brings out the zesty orange flavor.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just chop them while still slightly frozen and fold into the dough without thawing to prevent color bleeding.
The dough should look smooth and uniform, with no dry flour pockets. Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking, allows flavors to meld, and makes the dough easier to handle and shape.
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 weeks.
Print
Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Mouthwatering zesty orange cranberry ricotta cookies combine tangy citrus with sweet cranberry in a delightful Italian-inspired treat. Creamy ricotta and bright zest create perfect holiday magic that will delight your taste buds with each tender, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will provide structure and lift to the cookies.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, then incorporate ricotta cheese, vibrant orange zest, aromatic orange extract, and egg until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Gently incorporate chopped cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and making the dough easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing cookie sticking.
- Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, indicating perfect doneness and a crisp exterior.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their final texture.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and glossy, creating a bright, citrusy finish.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies, then optionally garnish with additional orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures a more compact, softer cookie texture during baking.
- Grate fresh orange zest for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes that elevate the entire cookie experience.
- Use full-fat ricotta cheese to maintain moisture and create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie consistency.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to preserve the cookie’s delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.