There’s something undeniably special about these soft, pillowy cookies infused with the bright citrusy tang of orange and the sweet-tart pop of cranberries. These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the richness of ricotta cheese with the zesty freshness of orange zest and dried cranberries. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Trust me, one bite will leave you hooked
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as unique as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Soft and Chewy Texture: The ricotta cheese adds an irresistibly tender crumb that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice bring a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Festive and Fun: Dried cranberries add pops of color and a hint of tartness, making these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime snacking.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. No need for fancy techniques just mix, scoop, and bake!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at parties or as a treat for family and friends. Everyone loves a cookie that’s both light and indulgent
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and airy.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the citrus and cranberry flavors.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Ricotta Cheese: Makes the cookies incredibly soft and moist while adding a subtle creaminess.
Fresh Orange Zest & Juice: Adds vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire cookie experience.
Dried Cranberries: Provide bursts of sweetness and chewiness, complementing the orange beautifully
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful cookies
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. This is what gives the cookies their signature softness.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience
Fresh Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Milk or Hot Cocoa: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa for a comforting snack.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these cookies are irresistible enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each soft, citrusy bite
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange zest and juice make all the difference in bringing out the bright citrus flavors. Avoid bottled juice if possible.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Swap dried cranberries for chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts for variety
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes! Chop fresh cranberries finely and fold them into the dough. Keep in mind they’ll add more tartness than sweetness.
2. What type of flour should I use? All-purpose flour works best for achieving the right texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake as needed.
4. How do I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for sharing or snacking later.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
8. Can I skip the cranberries? Yes, though they add a festive touch. Substitute with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins, or omit entirely for a simpler cookie.
9. Do I need to use ricotta cheese? Ricotta is key to the soft texture of these cookies. However, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone for a similar effect.
10. Can I add glaze to the cookies? Absolutely! Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and festive Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookie recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture, bright citrus flavor, and pops of sweet-tart cranberries, these cookies are a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you
Print
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are incredibly soft, with a hint of citrus and bursts of sweet cranberries. The ricotta keeps them moist, while the orange glaze adds a fresh, tangy finish. Perfect for holiday baking or year-round indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the ricotta cheese, orange zest, orange extract, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Glaze the Cookies:
- Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Garnish with orange zest if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the dried cranberries in orange juice for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These cookies freeze well store them unglazed and glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg