The Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Soft orange cranberry ricotta cookies dance with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise even seasoned bakers.

Citrus zest and tart berries mingle beautifully in this delightful treat.

Creamy ricotta transforms ordinary cookie dough into something magical and irresistible.

Delicate textures and bright notes promise a memorable baking experience.

Each bite reveals a perfect balance of sweet and tangy elements.

Weekend baking just got more exciting with this playful recipe.

You won’t be able to resist trying these crowd-pleasing cookies right away.

Ricotta Cookies With Orange and Cranberry Zing

• Quick Prep Magic: Whips up in under an hour of active time, making it ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Combines bright orange and tart cranberry for a sophisticated taste that elevates the classic sugar cookie, perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea with friends.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kid-approved recipe that's fun to make together, with simple steps that encourage little helpers to join in the baking adventure.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies What You’ll Use

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic structure and texture for soft, tender cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and balanced flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.

• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creates soft, tender cookie texture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to cookies.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden cookie edges.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor.
• Orange Extract: Intensifies orange taste.
• Chopped Cranberries: Provides tartness and fruity texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze topping.
• Orange Juice: Thins sugar and adds citrus flavor to glaze.

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted.
• Zest only the orange's outer colored layer, avoiding white pith.
• Pat cranberries dry to prevent excess moisture in cookies.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookie Baking Steps

Step 1: Whip Together Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and wonderfully airy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add ricotta cheese, orange zest, orange extract, and egg to the butter mixture.

Mix until silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually introduce dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberry Goodness

Gently fold chopped cranberries into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

This helps firm up the mixture and enhances flavor.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Portions

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Rest

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Step 11: Create Zesty Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency.

Step 12: Finish with Flair

Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies.

Optional: Sprinkle extra orange zest on top for a burst of citrusy excitement.

Cookie Tips with Orange Ricotta Softness

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for an hour to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Use fresh orange zest for maximum citrusy aroma and avoid the bitter white pith underneath the orange skin.
• Mix chopped cranberries delicately to prevent color bleeding and maintain cookie texture.
• Adjust orange juice or powdered sugar gradually to achieve the ideal glaze thickness that drizzles smoothly.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their soft, tender texture.

Store Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Warm refrigerated cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their original softness.
• Keep glazed cookies uncovered at room temperature for best presentation, or store with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Orange Cranberry Cookies Matches

• Savor Orange Cranberry Bliss Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Dark roast or medium-bodied coffee complements the cookies' bright citrus notes, creating a harmonious balance between the sweet glaze and robust coffee flavors.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling enhance the orange and cranberry essence, offering a delicate sweetness that matches the cookie's tender texture.
• Create Creamy Milk Pairing: Cold whole milk or almond milk provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the zesty cookies, softening the tangy cranberry and orange undertones.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Chamomile or Earl Grey tea brings a gentle floral backdrop that highlights the cookies' delicate ricotta base and citrusy brightness.

Ricotta Cookies with Orange-Cranberry Twists

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these tangy cookies.
• Vegan Cranberry Orange Treat: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free ricotta alternative to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining delightful flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond or cashew-based ricotta replacement and coconut oil instead of butter, perfect for individuals with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and cake-like in texture, with a delicate crumb thanks to the ricotta cheese which adds moisture and tenderness.

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones. Just be sure to roughly chop them to distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.

• How important is chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough for an hour is crucial as it helps prevent spreading during baking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive cookie texture.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed in the recipe.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet citrus notes dance through delicate Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies, creating a delightful Italian-inspired treat. Creamy ricotta and zesty orange blend seamlessly with tart cranberries, promising a memorable bite you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (or vanilla extract)

Dry Ingredients and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1/2 orange (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a light, airy texture and pale color.
3. Incorporate ricotta cheese, vibrant orange zest, aromatic orange extract, and a single egg into the butter mixture, blending until completely smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gently introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Delicately fold chopped cranberries throughout the dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of tart flavor.
6. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for precisely one hour to firm up and enhance flavor melding.
7. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
8. Portion the chilled dough using a tablespoon, placing dollops approximately two inches apart to allow spread during baking.
9. Bake until cookie edges transform to a delicate golden hue, approximately 12-15 minutes.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to room temperature.
11. Craft a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
12. Embellish cooled cookies with the citrusy glaze, optionally garnishing with additional fresh orange zest for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Chill the dough for optimal texture and easier handling, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Substitute dried cranberries with fresh or frozen ones, but pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender cookie consistency.
• Adjust orange extract intensity based on personal preference, using less for a subtle citrus hint or more for a bold orange flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg