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
Scale
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