Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy winter afternoon. The light, airy texture of the ricotta combines beautifully with the zesty orange and tart cranberries, creating a cookie that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them a great addition to your holiday cookie lineup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add ricotta cheese, orange zest, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ricotta Texture: The ricotta cheese gives these cookies a soft and slightly cakey texture, unlike traditional crunchy cookies. Be sure to use full-fat ricotta for the best result, as low-fat versions may result in a less tender cookie.
- Orange Zest: The orange zest is key to the vibrant flavor in these cookies. Make sure to only grate the outer orange skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Freshly grated zest will give the best aromatic punch.
- Dried Cranberries: If the dried cranberries seem too firm, you can soak them in warm water or orange juice for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will soften them and add extra juiciness to each bite.
- Flavor Variations: You can substitute other citrus zests like lemon or lime for a different twist, or even add a splash of orange extract for an intensified orange flavor. You could also swap out cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries.
- Storing the Cookies: These cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well. You can freeze them after baking or freeze the unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies on demand.
- Glazing Option: For extra sweetness and presentation, consider adding a light glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a tangy and sweet finishing touch.
- Holiday Appeal: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings due to their bright flavors and attractive appearance. The orange and cranberry combination makes them feel both refreshing and seasonal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 130 kcal per cookie