Why You’ll Love These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

Easy Yet Impressive: Despite their elegant appearance, this recipe is user-friendly, making it perfect even for novice bakers.

Melt in Your Mouth Texture: The ricotta cheese contributes to an exceptionally soft and cake-like interior, while the edges remain perfectly crisp.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough thrives on a little chilling time, making these cookies great for preparing in advance!

Gift-Worthy: Their beautiful presentation and delightful flavor make these cookies an excellent gift option for friends and family.

Ingredients

• Orange Zest & Juice: Fresh zest adds fragrance and flavor while the juice becomes the glaze.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These create a delightful contrast to the buttery cookies with their rich sweetness.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: An essential ingredient for that moist and tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds both flavor and a rich consistency to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness and a beautiful golden color come from this main ingredient.
• Egg: Provides essential structure to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder: The flour gives structure while baking powder helps achieve that fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a touch enhances the overall flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to create a smooth and sweet glaze.

How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

Prepare to create cookies that taste like little bites of sunshine! The soft, tender texture from the ricotta and zesty orange flavor, paired with rich chocolate chips, make these cookies truly irresistible. Here’s how to craft these delicious treats:

1. Combine the Sugar and Zest

In a large bowl, rub granulated sugar and orange zest together until the aroma fills the air.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar Mixture

Beat the butter with the fragrant sugar mixture until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

On low speed, mix in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla. Allow each ingredient to blend in until you have a smooth mixture.

4. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wet ingredients and gently fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

6. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Scoop the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12–14 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the edges turn golden while the center remains slightly underbaked. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, adjusting the consistency to your preference.

10. Glaze and Serve

Once cooled, glaze the cookies generously, sprinkle with a touch of zest, and let set for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying your delightful creations!

Tips For the Best Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

Using ricotta can truly elevate your baking game, providing unparalleled results. Here are some tips to help you perfect your cookie-making skills:

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Allow your ingredients to warm up for easier mixing and better incorporation.
• Opt for fresh ingredients: Fresh orange zest and juice will enhance the citrus flavor, and high-quality ricotta provides creaminess.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and ensuring fluffy cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Check your cookies while they bake; they should come out when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
• Explore variations: Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types or add spices like cinnamon for a warm twist.

How to Store Your Cookies

These delightful cookies can easily be enjoyed with morning coffee or as a decadent dessert, and they store nicely!

To Store:

Keep cooled cookies stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for up to one week.

To Freeze:

Freeze the cookies unglazed on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze before serving.

More Dreamy Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’re craving more cookie creations, give these a try:

• Pecan Snowball Cookies
• Maple Snickerdoodles
• Almond Crescent Cookies
• Linzer Cookies