If you’re looking to brighten up your cookie game with a burst of fresh citrus and a pop of tart sweetness, you absolutely must try this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect harmony of soft, moist ricotta-infused dough with zesty orange and chewy dried cranberries that dance on your palate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant, irresistible delight that feels both festive and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to baking these delicious cookies that balance flavor, texture, and color beautifully. Each plays a crucial role in bringing this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe to life.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift so the cookies stay tender and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and citrus.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich moisture and a slight creaminess to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens evenly without overpowering the tart fruit notes.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim): The star ingredient that adds luscious creaminess and a tender crumb.
- Zest of 1 orange: Delivers bright citrus flavor and fragrant aroma that makes these cookies stand out.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Infuses moisture and an extra zing of fresh orange essence.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: Offers delightful chewy bursts of tartness contrasting the sweet dough.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty dusting that adds a touch of elegant sweetness.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute your rising agent and seasoning throughout the dry mix. Set this aside for later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air for tenderness and creating the perfect cookie texture. The process also helps dissolve the sugar, which contributes to a more uniform crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate Ricotta, Egg, and Orange Elements
Next, add the egg and ricotta cheese to your butter and sugar mixture. Beat them well until fully combined, ensuring the ricotta blends smoothly without lumps. Stir in the vibrant orange zest and fresh juice to inject a refreshing citrus punch right into the cookie dough. This step wakes up your batter with mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry with Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to gently mix your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Add the flour blend gradually, stirring just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour remaining. This careful folding keeps your cookies tender and moist.
Step 5: Fold in the Dried Cranberries
Fold in the dried cranberries carefully to distribute their tart, chewy goodness evenly throughout the dough. These lovely bursts of flavor paired with ricotta’s creamy softness make this Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe truly standout.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them well so the cookies have room to spread. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on a wire rack for the best texture. Dust with powdered sugar for a final festive touch if you like.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, sweet finish that highlights the orange zest’s bright color beautifully. You can also add a few fresh orange zest curls or sprinkle finely chopped candied orange peel on top for extra zing and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of spiced chai tea. For a festive twist, serve with a side of whipped cream infused with a dash of orange liqueur or alongside a bowl of fresh berries to keep the fruity theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate interspersed with sprigs of fresh rosemary or evergreen for a holiday vibe. You can also stack them tied with a pretty ribbon as a delightful edible gift. Layering them between parchment paper in a jar or tin keeps them fresh and makes a lovely presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, maintaining their delightful chewy texture and bright flavors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze beautifully. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2 months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness. They also taste great slightly warmed with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite warm beverage.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with something else?
While ricotta is key for the moist, tender texture, you can try substituting it with cream cheese for a slightly denser cookie or mascarpone for an even richer flavor. Just keep the quantity the same and be mindful the texture will vary slightly.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any adjustments.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture and tartness, which can affect the cookie’s texture and baking time. If you do use fresh, consider tossing them with a bit of sugar and lightly chopping them. Also, you might want to reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, they may begin to dry out, but freezing will extend their shelf life without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge to maintain moisture and flavor. This also helps the orange zest infuse more deeply, making the cookies even more flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves that perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and soft textures. It’s an inviting, joyous treat that feels like sunshine in cookie form, perfect for sharing or savoring with a cup of tea. Don’t hesitate—bake a batch today and watch these little bites become your new favorite comfort dessert.
Print
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a tender texture from ricotta cheese, bright citrus notes from fresh orange zest and juice, and a burst of tartness from dried cranberries. Perfectly soft and lightly sweet, they make a festive addition to any cookie tray or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Additional
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Ricotta: Beat in the egg and ricotta cheese until well combined, lending moisture and richness to the dough. Stir in the grated orange zest and fresh orange juice for bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries for bursts of tart sweetness throughout the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and festive appearance.
Notes
- Use whole milk or part-skim ricotta cheese depending on preference; whole milk ricotta will yield a richer cookie.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
