Zesty Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, pillowy cookies burst with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate, blending zesty orange cranberry ricotta cookies that elevate any dessert spread.

Sweet, tangy notes weave through each delectable bite.

Creamy ricotta lends incredible moisture to these delightful treats.

Light and tender, these cookies promise a delightful balance of citrusy brightness and subtle sweetness.

Fresh cranberries add delightful pops of tartness that complement the rich, smooth base.

Each cookie delivers a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

What Goes Into Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for tender, soft cookies with perfect crumb.
• Baking Powder: Creates light, airy texture by helping cookies rise gently.
• Baking Soda: Balances acidity and helps cookies brown beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to golden, crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture and richness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ensures incredibly tender, moist cookies with subtle creaminess.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens and rounds out overall flavor profile.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds delightful tangy bursts and beautiful color contrast.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with delicate sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need For Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for beating butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Baking sheets: Used for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing orange glaze.
• Whisk: Great for creating smooth glaze and mixing ingredients.
• Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh orange zest for flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Dough Preparation

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, ricotta, orange zest, juice, and vanilla. Blend smoothly. Incorporate dry ingredients gently. Fold in cranberries.

• Chilling Stage

Wrap dough and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up.

• Cookie Baking

Heat oven to 350F. Cover baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough in rounded mounds, keeping space between each. Bake until edges turn golden, around 12-15 minutes. Rest cookies on sheet for brief moment before moving to cooling rack.

• Glaze Magic

Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until silky. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle glaze across tops. Sprinkle extra zest for bright finish. Let glaze set before serving.

Tips To Perfect Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Baking Brilliance: Smart Cookie Tips and Twists
• Freezer-Friendly Dough Hack: Prepare the cookie dough ahead and freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with scooping and baking.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace ricotta with dairy-free coconut yogurt or almond-based ricotta alternative. Use plant-based butter to create a completely dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Zesty Orange Intensity Boost: For deeper citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or substitute some orange juice with orange liqueur in the glaze. This will elevate the bright, tangy profile of the cookies and impress citrus lovers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Store cooled, unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days. Add the orange glaze just before serving to maintain the cookies' crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

How To Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these delightful cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade present that spreads joy during Christmas or winter celebrations.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair these soft, zesty cookies with a warm cup of morning coffee or afternoon tea, creating a perfect sweet moment of relaxation and indulgence.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate alongside other seasonal treats like mini tartlets or chocolate truffles for an impressive holiday dessert display that will wow your guests.
• Brunch Buffet Addition: Include these light, fruity cookies as part of a brunch spread, offering a delicate sweet option that complements savory breakfast dishes and provides a refreshing citrus touch.

Storage And Planning For Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies

• Fridge-Fresh Storage Strategy: Seal cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, keeping them fresh for 5-7 days at cool refrigerator temperatures. Moisture-controlled environment prevents softening and maintains delicate texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, storing tightly wrapped in plastic in refrigerator. Raw dough can also freeze for 4-6 weeks, allowing spontaneous baking moments whenever craving strikes.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: After fully cooling and glazing, arrange cookies in single layer on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies retain quality for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Separate glazed and unglazed cookies during storage to prevent sticking. Keep room temperature cookies in covered container for optimal taste within 48 hours of baking, ensuring maximum freshness and delightful orange-cranberry flavor profile.

Tender Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Delightful orange cranberry ricotta cookies blend Italian tradition with festive zest. Sweet, tangy morsels transport you to a winter kitchen filled with warmth and joy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240g / 8.5 oz) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (113g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz) dried cranberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsps fresh orange juice
• 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps fresh orange juice
• optional: additional orange zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg, ricotta, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, eliminating any potential lumps.
3. Dough Formation: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Fold in dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
4. Chilling: Encase dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and structural integrity.
5. Baking Setup: Warm oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Portioning and Baking: Scoop dough into rounded mounds, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces stabilize.
7. Cooling Process: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Glaze Creation: Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. Finishing Touch: Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle glaze generously. Optionally garnish with additional orange zest for enhanced citrus profile.
10. Serving: Let glaze set entirely before presenting these delightful orange cranberry ricotta cookies.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development, ensuring compact, perfectly shaped cookies.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use fresh ricotta cheese and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid that could compromise cookie texture and consistency.
• Handle Cranberries Carefully: Lightly dust dried cranberries with flour before adding to dough to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout cookies.
• Glaze with Precision: Allow cookies to cool completely before applying orange glaze, which prevents soaking and maintains the ideal crisp-soft texture of the delicate cookie base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg