If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly blends bright citrus notes with a soft, tender crumb, this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies combine the creamy richness of ricotta with the zesty freshness of orange and the tart sweetness of cranberries, resulting in a moist, flavorful bite that’s as festive as it is comforting. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon snack, or a special party, this recipe brings a unique, Italian-inspired twist to traditional cookies that you just have to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy tang of ricotta to the vibrant pop of orange zest, ensuring your cookies are bursting with flavor and soft texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a delicate lift.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to ensure a perfect crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: The star of the show, delivering moistness and a subtle tang.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds to the cookie’s softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet notes that complement the citrus.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Provides fresh, bright citrus flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped: Brings chewy bursts of tartness and beautiful red flecks throughout.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside will make your mixing process smoother when you combine everything later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a lovely tender texture. Don’t rush—take a few minutes to get this step just right.
Step 3: Add Ricotta, Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Next, blend in the creamy ricotta cheese, followed by the egg, a splash of vanilla extract, and vibrant orange zest. This combination infuses the dough with incredible flavor and moisture that sets these cookies apart from ordinary ones.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough. Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries for that perfect sweet-tart surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart because these cookies spread slightly as they bake. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges show a delicate golden hue. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Optional Glaze for an Extra Touch
For a glossy, citrusy finish, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a pinch of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies and allow it to set—you’ll love the sweet-tart contrast it adds.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies even more visually inviting, try sprinkling a little extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries on top right after glazing. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy touch, especially charming around the holidays.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or a bright glass of fresh orange juice. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy texture and citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your cookies on a platter lined with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary. You can also stack them with parchment paper between each cookie in decorative boxes as heartfelt gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The ricotta helps maintain their soft, moist texture, so they stay delicious much longer than typical cookies.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, they freeze really well. Just freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months, ready to thaw when you need a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven at 300°F. If you froze them with glaze, allow the glaze to come to room temperature or add a fresh drizzle after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Absolutely! While whole milk ricotta offers the best creaminess, part-skim ricotta will still work and produce tasty cookies, just with a slightly lighter texture.
Do I need to chop the dried cranberries?
Chopping the cranberries helps distribute their tart flavor evenly throughout each cookie and prevents big chunks, making every bite balanced and delightful.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze. The glaze adds a lovely citrusy sweetness and a pretty finish but is completely optional.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?
Fresh cranberries hold a lot of moisture, which may affect the dough’s consistency and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe to maintain the perfect texture.
How thick should I drop the cookie dough?
Using a rounded tablespoon to drop the dough gives you nicely sized cookies that bake evenly and maintain a soft, cakey center. Avoid flattening the dough before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about these Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe that feels both festive and lovingly homemade. Their tender crumb, bright citrus zing, and sweet-tart cranberries make every bite memorable. I can’t wait for you to try making this recipe yourself—it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and moist Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies, a perfect blend of citrus zest and tangy dried cranberries combined with creamy ricotta cheese. This Italian-inspired dessert offers a festive and flavorful treat that is easy to make, featuring a light orange glaze to add a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix these thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixes: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is fully combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating the cookies are done but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and glossy for the optional glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving for a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- The ricotta cheese keeps the cookies soft and moist for a delightful texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies without the glaze and add glaze after thawing.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday baking or any festive occasion.
