Zesty Orange-Infused Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Soft, pillowy cookies sometimes arrive with unexpected magic, and this orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies recipe delivers pure delight.

ricotta cheese brings an incredible moisture that makes these treats irresistibly tender.

The bright citrus notes dance playfully alongside rich chocolate chips, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Bakers love how simple ingredients combine to produce such extraordinary results.

Each cookie promises a delicate balance between tangy orange zest and smooth chocolate undertones.

The aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw everyone near, anticipating these delectable morsels.

You’ll want to save this recipe as a go-to for spontaneous sweet moments that spark joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 13-14 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients for Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for delightful cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and achieve light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to golden cookie color.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, creamy base and supports tender cookie texture.
• Orange Zest: Infuses bright, citrusy aroma and vibrant flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to cookie dough.
• Ricotta Cheese: Introduces creamy richness and soft, tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity with warm, aromatic notes.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provides delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze with elegant finish.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds tangy brightness to glaze and enhances citrus flavor.

Supplies for Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients with ease.
• Electric stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to create a smooth cookie base.
• Paddle attachment: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Cookie scoop or spoons: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking cookies to golden perfection.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and crisp up.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for zest and other ingredients.

Directions for Baking Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• Zesty Dough Preparation

Mix dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Create a creamy base by blending sugar, butter, and orange zest until smooth. Add egg, ricotta, and vanilla, then gently fold in chocolate chips. Chill the mixture to firm up the dough.

• Cookie Shaping

Warm the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop small rounds of chilled dough, spacing them evenly. The cookies should look rustic and inviting.

• Baking Magic

Slide the tray into the oven and watch the edges turn golden. Cookies need about 13-14 minutes to reach perfect texture – soft inside, slightly crisp outside.

• Citrus Glaze

Whip up a quick glaze using powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies, letting the sweet coating cascade down their sides.

• Serving Delight

Allow glaze to set completely. Store cookies in a sealed container, ready to surprise friends and family with a burst of orange-chocolatey goodness.

Fun Add-Ons for Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• Prepare the dough ahead and freeze in portioned scoops for spontaneous baking moments. Store in freezer bags up to 3 months for quick, fresh cookies anytime.
• Swap mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or orange-infused chocolate for unique flavor profiles that complement the citrusy notes.
• Boost citrus flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze or incorporating a splash of orange extract into the cookie dough for deeper, more vibrant orange essence.
• Ensure soft, tender cookies by avoiding overmixing the dough and removing them from the oven when edges are just golden. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to maintain their delicate texture.
• Drizzle glaze in artistic patterns using a spoon or transfer to a small piping bag for more precise, elegant cookie finishing. Sprinkle additional orange zest on top for a professional bakery-style presentation.

Presenting Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• Sweet Citrus Companions: Pair these delightful cookies with a chilled glass of orange-infused iced tea or a smooth, creamy earl grey tea to enhance the orange and chocolate flavors.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Create a stunning cookie display alongside fresh orange segments, dark chocolate shavings, and a small dollop of whipped cream for a sophisticated and visually appealing presentation.
• Seasonal Gifting Charm: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon, perfect as a homemade holiday or special occasion gift that showcases your baking skills and thoughtfulness.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the cookies with a light, sweet dessert wine like moscato or a citrus-forward late harvest riesling that will highlight the bright orange notes in the recipe.

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookie Storage Tips

• Smart Cookie Storage Solutions
• Freshness Fortress: Store cookies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain their soft texture and prevent moisture loss. Line the container with parchment paper between cookie layers to keep them from sticking together.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies stay delicious for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Temperature Sweet Spot: Keep cookies in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature storage works best, maintaining their delicate orange-chocolate flavor profile for 4-5 days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Alternatively, scoop portioned dough onto a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for spontaneous baking adventures anytime.

Vibrant Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Italian orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies blend creamy textures with zesty citrus notes. Delicate crumbles melt in your mouth, promising a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (241 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (284 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (154 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (165 grams) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 ½ tbsps (37.5 mL) fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsps (8 grams) orange zest
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Dry Mixture Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution and no lumps remain.
2. Flavor Infusion: Cream sugar, softened butter, and orange zest in an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and aromatic, periodically scraping down the sides to maintain consistency.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Add egg to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly, then gently incorporate ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
4. Dough Formation: Gradually fold the flour mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated, then delicately fold in mini chocolate chips to distribute evenly without overmixing.
5. Chilling and Preparation: Refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours to enhance flavor and texture, while simultaneously preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
6. Cookie Shaping and Baking: Scoop chilled dough into rounded tablespoon-sized mounds, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 13-14 minutes until edges turn golden and centers appear set.
7. Cooling and Glazing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, subsequently creating a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth.
8. Finishing Touch: Drizzle the prepared glaze over completely cooled cookies, letting it cascade naturally, and allow to set at room temperature before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough 1-2 hours to enhance flavor development and prevent cookie spreading during baking.
• Zest Magic: Fresh orange zest delivers vibrant citrus notes, so avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest for maximum flavor intensity.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture and prevent toughness.
• Glaze Timing: Wait until cookies are completely cool before drizzling glaze to ensure a clean, crisp finish and prevent melting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13-14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg