Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
A Soft and Citrusy Delight
For a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and irresistibly unique, look no further than these Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies. These tender treats blend the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the bright zest of orange and the indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.
With their cake-like texture and balanced flavors, these cookies are as comforting as they are gourmet. Let’s dive into how to make them and enjoy a cookie experience like no other.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft and tender: The ricotta makes these cookies incredibly moist and fluffy.
- Bright and flavorful: Orange zest adds a fresh, citrusy burst that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and steps make these cookies approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for holidays, brunches, or as an everyday treat.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie dough:
- All-purpose flour (for structure and a soft crumb)
- Ricotta cheese (the secret ingredient for moistness and a tender texture)
- Granulated sugar (to sweeten the cookies)
- Butter (for richness)
- Eggs (to bind the dough)
- Vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)
- Orange zest and orange juice (for a bright citrus kick)
- Baking powder and salt (to help the cookies rise and balance flavors)
- Chocolate chips (for bursts of indulgent sweetness)
For the glaze (optional):
- Powdered sugar (for sweetness and a smooth finish)
- Fresh orange juice (for a tangy glaze)
- Orange zest (for an extra pop of flavor)
How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
- Prepare the dough:
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla, orange juice, and zest, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Scoop and bake:
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze (optional):
- Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
- Use Fresh Orange Zest:
- Freshly grated orange zest gives the cookies a vibrant and authentic citrus flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough:
- Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chill for Better Shape:
- Chilled dough spreads less, resulting in evenly shaped cookies.
- Customize the Glaze:
- Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for extra depth.
- Experiment with Add-Ins:
- Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries or nuts for a creative twist.
FAQ: Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
1. Can I use lemon instead of orange?
Yes! Substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon for a tangy twist.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t mandatory but helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in a neater cookie shape.
3. Can I use white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with the citrus flavor for a sweeter variation.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
5. What if I don’t want to add a glaze?
The cookies are delicious without the glaze, but the citrusy topping enhances their flavor and presentation.
Storage Information
- At room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep them chilled in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- In the freezer: Freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
A Unique Twist on a Classic Treat
These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are a delightful blend of citrusy brightness, creamy ricotta richness, and sweet chocolate indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress with their sophisticated flavors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your favorite twists, tips, or baking memories in the comments below! 🍊✨
These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are a unique and flavorful treat that combines the creamy richness of ricotta with the bright zest of orange and indulgent chocolate chips. With their soft, cake-like texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, these cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Add a citrusy glaze for an extra layer of flavor and elegance! 🍊✨
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (your choice, semi -sweet- milk or dark and even white)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, rub the granulated sugar and orange zest with your fingers until well combined and fragrant.
Add the softened butter to the sugar and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Reduce the speed to low and blend in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, one at a time, until smooth.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredienthe flour mixture ts, mixing until about halfway combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix just until no streaks of flour are visible.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30-60 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Portion the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and arrange on the baking sheets with about 2 inches between each.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze:
Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice in a medium bowl until smooth. If necessary, add more sugar or juice to adjust the consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over them. Sprinkle with orange zest, and let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
