Description

If you love soft, cake-like cookies with a burst of citrus and tart cranberry goodness, these Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are for you! They’re pillowy, moist, and infused with fresh orange zest, making them a perfect holiday treat or everyday indulgence. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – The base for soft cookies.
Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Gives the cookies a slight lift.
Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavors.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cookies.
Ricotta Cheese (¾ cup, whole milk) – Keeps them soft and tender.
Egg (1 large) – Binds everything together.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds warmth.
Orange Zest (1 tbsp) – Brings bright citrus flavor.
Dried Cranberries (¾ cup, chopped) – Adds a tart contrast.

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
Orange Juice (2 tbsp, fresh) – Thins the glaze and adds citrus flavor.
Orange Zest (1 tsp, optional) – For an extra citrus punch.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully combined.

5. Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.

6. Scoop & Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

9. Glaze & Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let them set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Cuisine: American