Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter!
- Soft and Moist: The ricotta gives these cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh orange zest and tangy cranberries add a refreshing twist.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small whisk (for glaze)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. Soft and cake-like with a burst of cranberry and a hint of orange zest, they’re perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a bright, fresh treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh, chopped cranberries)
For the Orange Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar 2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients 3. Add the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Add Cranberries 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 5. Gently fold in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. 7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft. 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional) 10. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar if needed. 11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for about 10 minutes.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cookies dense; mix just until combined.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: It adds a natural citrus aroma and bright flavor.
- Glaze Variation: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, replace the orange juice with milk for a lighter flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Storage Instructions
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Yes, fresh chopped cranberries work well. Just add a little extra sugar if they’re very tart.
Q2: Can I use lemon zest instead of orange?
A: Absolutely! Lemon zest is a great substitute and will give the cookies a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Q3: Can I make these without the glaze?
A: Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own! The glaze adds extra sweetness and flavor but is entirely optional.
Conclusion: A Festive, Flavorful Treat!
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies bring a bright, refreshing twist to your dessert lineup. They’re soft, delicious, and bursting with flavor, making them a wonderful addition to any occasion. Give them a try, and let these cookies bring a little sweetness to your day!
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every bite of these lovely, citrusy cookies, and share the joy with friends and family!
