If you adore treats that combine a tender, cake-like texture with bright, zesty flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe. These cookies are like little bites of sunshine, bursting with fresh orange zest and juicy cranberries, all wrapped in the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Perfectly soft and irresistibly fragrant, these cookies strike the ideal balance between sweet and tangy, making them a standout dessert for any occasion or just a lovely way to brighten your afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with a handful of essential ingredients working together to create irresistible flavor, tender texture, and eye-catching color. Each component plays a crucial role in making these cookies so special.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds moisture and creamy softness, giving the cookies their signature tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the citrus notes.
- Egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the cookies’ tender structure.
- Orange zest: Packs a powerful burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Fresh orange juice: Amplifies the citrus tang and adds a subtle freshness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, comforting note.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, balancing the wet ingredients.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to create a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Elevates the sweetness and balances the overall taste.
- Dried cranberries: Add tangy bursts of chewiness and a gorgeous red color that contrasts beautifully with the pale dough.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly. Having everything prepped upfront makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Ricotta, Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the soft texture of your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Flavors
Beat in the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until all the wet ingredients are fully combined. This blend will infuse your dough with vibrant citrus notes and a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise just right.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Dried Cranberries
Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough so they’re evenly sprinkled throughout without breaking up the berries too much, giving you those delightful chewy bites.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate light golden color. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly without losing their softness.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice over the cooled cookies. This adds a glossy finish and an intensified citrus sweetness. You can also sprinkle some extra finely grated orange zest on top to brighten presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee, making for a perfect afternoon treat. For brunch or a festive gathering, serve alongside fresh fruit, a cheese platter, or a light citrus salad to complement the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a thin spread of cream cheese frosting or whipped mascarpone between two cookies to create delightful sandwich treats. They also make charming gifts when wrapped in pretty parchment paper tied with ribbon, bringing a burst of homemade warmth to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, cake-like texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first until frozen. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for making ahead during busy holidays.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back their tender softness and enhances the citrus fragrance.
FAQs
Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
You can try using cream cheese or mascarpone as a substitute, but ricotta’s unique moisture and mild flavor are what give these cookies their tender texture and delicate crumb.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to achieve similar results.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a different moisture level and tartness that could affect the dough’s consistency. If using fresh, consider lightly cooking and drying them first to avoid soggy cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their freshness and softness for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Since the recipe relies on ricotta and butter, making a vegan version would require substitutes like plant-based ricotta and vegan butter, which may alter texture and flavor. Experiment with dairy-free products if you want to try!
Final Thoughts
Homemade cookies that taste like sunshine are just a batch away with this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe. Soft, fragrant, and bursting with citrus and cranberry goodness, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like treats bursting with citrus flavor and studded with tart dried cranberries. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh orange zest, they offer a moist texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness, making them a delightful dessert or holiday snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese, whole milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Flavorings and Egg: Add the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the chopped dried cranberries into the cookie dough to evenly distribute them without breaking their shape.
- Scoop and Space Dough: Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft and cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- For a festive touch, drizzle cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice.
- You can substitute lemon zest and juice for orange to create a different citrus flavor variation.
