If you are looking to bring a burst of festive flavor and a delightful texture to your holiday baking, this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These soft, moist cookies perfectly balance the zesty brightness of fresh orange with the tart chewiness of cranberries, all enhanced by the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. They are easy to make yet feel special enough for celebrations, offering a unique twist on classic holiday treats that your friends and family will rave about for seasons to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, trusted ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create the unforgettable taste and texture that make this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe so special. Each one plays a vital role, from lending moisture and softness to adding tangy bursts of flavor and a festive look.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookie dough and ensures a light crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Baking soda: Adds a touch of lift and balances acidity for perfect texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden edges.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender mouthfeel once creamed.
- Ricotta cheese: The secret ingredient that keeps these cookies delightfully moist and soft.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while adding lift and richness.
- Orange zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and flavor in every bite.
- Fresh orange juice: Amplifies the bright, tangy notes and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- Dried cranberries (chopped): Add festive color and a chewy, tart contrast to the sweet dough.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet topping that accentuates the orange flavor.
- Extra fresh orange juice & zest (for glaze): Keeps the glaze fresh and vibrant, perfectly tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures the leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, which is essential for cookies that bake uniformly and have a perfect rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the soft texture we love in these Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe classics.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
Next, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just smooth – this not only adds creaminess but infuses the dough with fresh, vibrant citrus flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft, which ricotta cheese helps perfectly maintain.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries
Fold the chopped dried cranberries gently into the dough. Their chewy texture and tart burst bring a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet dough, making every bite exciting and festive.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes until cookies are set and edges turn lightly golden. The result is a wonderfully soft, slightly golden delight that’s fragrant with orange and cranberries.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Glaze
While the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread the glaze over each cooled cookie and allow it to set before serving to add a glossy, sweet citrus topper that complements the soft cookie beautifully.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped dried cranberries or finely grated orange zest over the glaze once it’s applied. This adds vibrant color and a hint of fresh aroma to make your presentation pop and invite eager hands.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, fresh brewed coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. Their soft texture and citrus-berry flavors perfectly complement warm beverages that are popular during the holiday season.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, stack the cookies on a festive platter layered with parchment and garnished with sprigs of rosemary or small pine branches for an inviting display. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with orange satin ribbon as charming homemade gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe favorites stay soft and moist when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to enjoy their fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
If you want to make your cookies ahead of time, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and add the glaze for the freshest taste.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to just-baked softness, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive their tender texture and melt the glaze slightly, making each bite feel like it just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese for this recipe?
While you can substitute low-fat ricotta, whole milk ricotta is recommended because it provides the moistness and richness that make these cookies uniquely soft and flavorful.
Are fresh cranberries a good substitute for dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery, which could alter the texture and sweetness. Dried cranberries work best to provide chewy bursts of tartness without adding extra moisture to the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to replicate the texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the center remains set but still soft. Overbaking can dry them out, so it’s key to remove them when they look just firm to the touch.
What is the best way to apply the glaze?
Drizzling with a spoon or spreading with the back of a small spoon while the glaze is still runny works well. Allow it to set at room temperature for a glossy, sweet finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the bright citrus and tart cranberry flavor marrying with the creamy softness of ricotta in this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies bring joy with every bite. I encourage you to try making them soon – you might just find your newest seasonal favorite that everyone asks for year after year.
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Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining the soft, moist texture of ricotta cheese with the bright flavors of fresh orange and tart cranberries. Perfect for festive occasions, these cookies are lightly sweetened and topped with a zesty orange glaze, making them a unique and delicious addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the batter.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies appear set and have a light golden color around the edges.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on wire racks to set up properly before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and slightly runny.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle or spread the orange glaze over them evenly. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving to ensure a beautiful finish and enhanced citrus flavor.
Notes
- The ricotta cheese helps keep these cookies soft and moist for several days.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies unglazed for up to 2 months and add the orange glaze after thawing.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
