Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

These melt-in-your-mouth orange cranberry ricotta cookies surprise everyone at the first bite.

Soft, pillowy textures emerge from a simple blend of fresh ingredients.

Sweet citrus notes dance with tart cranberry bursts throughout each delectable morsel.

ricotta cheese creates an unexpected creamy richness that makes these cookies incredibly tender.

Mediterranean baking techniques shine through in this delightful recipe that feels both classic and innovative.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort.

I promise these cookies will become your new favorite sweet treat that sparks joy with every single crumb.

Why Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Taste So Festive

• Burst of Citrusy Brightness: These cookies pack a zesty punch with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a vibrant flavor that dances on your taste buds and cuts through the rich, creamy ricotta base.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between soft, pillowy cookie interiors and slightly crisp edges, with bursts of chewy cranberries adding unexpected texture excitement.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills, offers straightforward steps, and delivers impressive results in under an hour from start to finish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert moments, these cookies charm everyone with their elegant appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor combination.

Everything In Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Flour: The base for the cookie's structure, providing texture and form.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for soft, light cookies.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Softened, creates rich and creamy cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates tender, soft cookie with delicate richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth.

• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes and aromatic complexity.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces tart, fruity bursts throughout the cookie.

• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice: Creates a smooth, sweet citrus drizzle for finishing.

How To Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Craft the Cookie Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Ricotta cheese
• Vibrant orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Softly mix in dried cranberries.

Step 2: Chill and Relax the Dough

Wrap cookie dough and nestle in refrigerator for a refreshing 30-minute rest.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded dollops of dough, spacing generously. Slide into oven and bake until edges turn a delicate golden hue, approximately 12-15 minutes. Let cookies rest on baking sheet briefly before transferring to cooling rack.

Step 4: Dress with Citrusy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice

Until silky smooth. Once cookies have completely cooled, drizzle glaze generously. Optional: Sprinkle additional orange zest for a vibrant touch. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Helpful Notes For Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create a more compact cookie with enhanced flavor development.
• Zest Matters: Use fresh orange zest for maximum citrusy aroma and bright flavor. Grate only the orange's outer colored layer to avoid bitter white pith.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold cranberries into the dough carefully to prevent overworking, which can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Precise Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking. Remove when edges are lightly golden to maintain a soft, tender texture.
• Glaze Consistency Tip: Adjust powdered sugar or orange juice gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. Thick glaze should slowly fall from a spoon in a smooth ribbon.

Best Way To Store Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without the glaze for best texture.
• Thawing: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add fresh glaze after thawing to restore their delightful shine and flavor.
• Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to revive their soft, tender texture.

What Goes Well With Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Tea: Brew a light orange or lemon herbal tea that complements the zesty orange notes in the cookies, enhancing the bright citrus flavor and creating a refreshing combination.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich, smooth vanilla latte balances the tangy cranberry and orange, while its creamy texture harmonizes perfectly with the soft, ricotta-based cookie.
• Serve alongside Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Create a simple cream cheese frosting dip with a hint of orange zest, providing an extra layer of indulgence that elevates the cookie's subtle sweetness and fruity undertones.
• Enjoy with Sparkling White Wine: A crisp, light prosecco or champagne cuts through the cookie's richness, its bubbles and subtle acidity complementing the orange and cranberry flavors beautifully.

Fresh Twists On Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Tropical Zinger: Swap cranberries with chopped macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut for a Hawaiian-inspired cookie that brings beachy vibes to your dessert plate.
• Chocolate Cranberry Dream: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips alongside dried cranberries to create a richer, more decadent version with deep flavor complexity.
• Winter Spice Celebration: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cardamom into the dough for a warm, cozy cookie that feels like a holiday hug.
• Lemon Berry Burst: Replace orange zest and juice with fresh lemon ingredients, then fold in dried blueberries for a bright, tangy alternative that sparkles with citrus notes.

FAQs About Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Why use ricotta cheese in these cookies?

Ricotta adds incredible moisture and creates a soft, tender texture that makes these cookies incredibly light and cake-like. The cheese helps keep the cookies deliciously soft even after they cool down.

• Can I use fresh or dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries work best for this recipe because they won’t add extra moisture to the dough and will distribute more evenly throughout the cookies. Fresh cranberries might make the cookie texture too wet.

• How important is the orange zest in this recipe?

Orange zest is crucial for developing a bright, fresh citrus flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly. It provides natural essential oils that give the cookies a vibrant, aromatic taste without making them too acidic.

• Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. It also makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain a better shape when baking.

Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive orange cranberry ricotta cookies blend Italian tradition with winter charm. Sweet-tart flavors and delicate texture invite winter celebrations with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240g / 8.5 ounces) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (120g / 4.2 ounces) dried cranberries

Butter and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (113g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g / 4.2 ounces) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Optional: additional orange zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create a fluffy, lightweight mixture by creaming butter and sugar until pale and airy. Incorporate egg, ricotta cheese, vibrant orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, blending until uniformly smooth.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate container, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain the delicate texture. Carefully integrate dried cranberries throughout the dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
5. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Using a cookie scoop, portion dough into rounded mounds, positioning them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue and surfaces appear set.
8. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
9. Prepare a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
10. Once cookies have completely cooled, generously drizzle glaze over the tops, allowing excess to cascade down the sides.
11. Optionally, sprinkle additional orange zest for a vibrant garnish and enhanced citrus aroma.
12. permit glaze to set completely before serving these delectable treats.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect cookie texture during baking.
• Substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones for a juicier burst of flavor, adjusting moisture content slightly.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help create a smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that blends effortlessly.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg