Orange Ricotta Cookies topped with orange glaze and zest, arranged on a ceramic plate with fresh orange slices nearby

Orange Ricotta Cookies

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Introduction

Orange ricotta cookies are a delightful dessert, known for their soft, fluffy texture and vibrant citrus flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies stand out because of their unique blend of creamy ricotta and zesty orange. Whether you’re a fan of Italian-inspired desserts or just love a good cookie, orange ricotta cookies are sure to impress.

These cookies are versatile enough to serve as a quick snack or a sweet treat for special events. The addition of fresh orange zest and juice gives orange ricotta cookies their signature tangy-sweet taste, while the creamy ricotta keeps them moist and tender for days.

Ingredients Needed

To make these soft and flavorful orange ricotta cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Orange Ricotta Cookies arranged neatly on a white marble counter with fresh oranges included

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta works best)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest for garnish (optional)

Baking Essentials

Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools:

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Spoon or piping bag for glazing

Making the Cookie Dough

The secret to perfect orange ricotta cookies lies in creating a balanced, well-mixed dough. By combining orange zest and ricotta cheese, you achieve a rich, citrus-infused flavor that makes these cookies irresistible. Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the shape of your orange ricotta cookies during baking, preventing them from spreading too much.

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step incorporates air, which helps make the cookies light.
  3. Add the Wet Ingredients
    Beat in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.
  5. Chill the Dough
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Hands mixing cookie dough for Orange Ricotta Cookies with ricotta cheese and orange zest visible in the mixture.

Baking the Cookies

When baking orange ricotta cookies, precision is key. Make sure your oven is preheated and that the cookies bake just until the edges turn golden. Overbaking can result in a dry texture, which takes away from the soft and fluffy appeal that defines orange ricotta cookies.

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Portion the Dough
    Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake
    Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain soft and pale. Avoid overbaking for the best texture.
  4. Cool
    Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Orange Glaze

  1. Make the Glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
  2. Glaze the Cookies
    Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the glaze over each cookie. For a fancier look, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze.
  3. Garnish (Optional)
    Sprinkle a little orange zest on top of the glaze for added flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

Orange ricotta cookies are a great addition to dessert platters, tea parties, or holiday gatherings. Their vibrant orange flavor pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like tea or coffee. Store your orange ricotta cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, or freeze them for longer storage.

  • Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Arrange them on a dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
  • Pack them in a decorative box for gifting to friends and family.

Tips and Tricks

  • For a stronger citrus flavor, use blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges.
  • If you don’t have ricotta, substitute with mascarpone or cream cheese, though the texture will vary slightly.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Variations

  • Make It Your Own: Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for extra texture.
  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
  • Flavor Twist: Substitute lemon zest and juice for a lemon-flavored version of this cookie.

FAQs

Q: Can I use lemon instead of orange?
Yes, substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangier flavor.

Q: How do I make the cookies less dense?
Ensure you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

For a complementary dessert, try Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake, which offers a similar citrusy delight.Serve these cookies with a cozy cup of tea and Earl Grey Cookies for an elegant afternoon snack.Looking for another orange-infused treat? Check out the Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe for a loaf perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion

Orange Ricotta Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that blends the creaminess of ricotta with the refreshing zest of oranges. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Orange Ricotta Cookies bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table with their bright citrus flavor and tender texture. Pair them with the suggested recipes for a complete and delightful culinary experience!