Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
Delightful cookies that combine zesty orange and tart cranberries in a rich ricotta base, perfect for gifting and holiday gatherings.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and a soft bite.
- 1 tsp baking powder Helps cookies rise beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda Adds a slight lift to the texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Brings richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Offers creaminess and keeps cookies moist.
- 1 large egg Provides structure and binds ingredients.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest Infuses cookies with fresh citrus aroma.
- 2 tbsp orange juice Brightens flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries Provides chewy tartness that pairs perfectly with orange.
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots Optional for an extra fruity twist.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar A sweet finish.
- 1–2 tbsp orange juice To create a smooth glaze.
- 1/2 tsp orange zest Enhances glaze with citrusy kick.
Instructions
Prep the Dough
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the dried cranberries and optional chopped apricots.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes.
Scoop and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is chilled, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Glaze
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops of the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve a fluffy texture. For vibrant flavor, use fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice. Customize cookies by adding nuts or different dried fruits. Experiment with the glaze by adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for an interesting twist.