Description
Sweet orange zest dances through these Ricotta Cookies, blending tangy cranberries with creamy Italian cheese. Festive holiday treats promise delightful moments shared with loved ones who crave comforting, zesty bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh orange juice (for glaze)
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and warming the oven to 350°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cookie placement.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cookie dough.
- Incorporate ricotta cheese, a single egg, fragrant vanilla extract, and bright orange zest into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients harmonize into a creamy consistency.
- Separately, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient blend that will provide structure to the cookies.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture, then delicately integrate dried cranberries throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, deposit rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining approximately two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a subtle golden edge while understanding the centers will continue setting during cooling.
- While cookies cool completely, whisk powdered sugar and fresh orange juice into a smooth, glossy glaze that will add a bright, citrusy finish.
- Once cookies have reached room temperature, elegantly drizzle the orange glaze across the surface, creating an inviting and professional presentation.
Notes
- Keep ricotta at room temperature to ensure smoother blending and a softer cookie texture.
- Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Pat dried cranberries dry before adding to prevent excess moisture in the dough, ensuring better cookie consistency.
- Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 146
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 62 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg