Sweet Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with these delightful orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies that blend creamy texture and bright citrus notes.

Soft cheese creates an unexpected richness in every delectable bite.

Zesty orange essence weaves magical flavor throughout the tender crumb.

Chocolate chips add decadent bursts of sweetness against the smooth ricotta backdrop.

Mediterranean baking techniques inspire this unique cookie experience that feels both elegant and comforting.

Mixing bowls and whisks stand ready to help you craft these irresistible treats.

Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that promises pure deliciousness in every single crumb.

Instructions to Bake Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly combined. Set the bowl aside and get ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Fire up your electric mixer and combine sugar, butter, and vibrant orange zest. Beat until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy.

Scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets mixed perfectly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Crack an egg into the mixer and blend smoothly.

• Ricotta cheese
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything looks silky and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips with a light touch.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Cover the bowl and pop the dough into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

You can briefly freeze if you’re in a hurry.

Step 6: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 20 minutes of chilling.

Grab a light-colored baking sheet to prevent burning.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a cookie scoop or spoons to create little dough mounds.

Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes.

Look for slightly set edges but avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Drizzle Citrus Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest

Spoon the glaze over cooled cookies.

Step 11: Store and Enjoy

Let the glaze set at room temperature. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.

Tips to Nail Ricotta Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Use fresh orange zest for maximum citrusy brightness and robust flavor in both cookies and glaze.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure even baking and easy cookie removal.
• Keep remaining dough refrigerated between batches to maintain consistent cookie texture and prevent overworking.
• Avoid overbaking by removing cookies when edges are just set, allowing them to finish cooking on the warm baking sheet for soft, tender results.

Variations on Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Lemon Ricotta Delight: Replace orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy citrus variation.
• Chocolate Almond Ricotta Cookies: Swap chocolate chips with chopped almonds and add almond extract for a nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Ricotta Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Ricotta Alternative: Substitute ricotta with cashew-based ricotta, use plant-based butter, replace egg with flax egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a completely plant-based version.

Pairings That Go Well with Ricotta Cookies

• Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the bright orange zest and enhances the cookie's delicate flavor profile.
• Serve these cookies alongside a rich, smooth espresso or cappuccino, which balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate chip undertones with its robust coffee notes.
• Create a delightful dessert experience by serving the cookies with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the creamy textures and complementary flavors to meld together beautifully.

Storage Advice for Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing chocolate chips from melting.
• Scoop cookie dough into balls, place on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bag. Store frozen dough for 2-3 months, baking directly from frozen state by adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Carefully layer completely cooled cookies between wax paper in a sturdy freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. It also makes the dough easier to handle and creates a better texture.

• Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough and provide a more consistent chocolate flavor in each bite.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for edges that are very lightly golden and a top that appears almost set but not completely firm. The cookies should look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft, tender texture.

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies That Impress

• Bake with Zesty Charm: Orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies bring a burst of citrusy excitement to your baking adventure, transforming ordinary cookie time into a delightful sensory experience.
• Master Flexible Preparation: The recipe allows strategic dough chilling, giving you control over timing and enabling advance preparation for spontaneous baking moments.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These sophisticated yet approachable cookies blend classic comfort with gourmet flair, making them perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert sharing.
• Enjoy Simple Ingredient Magic: Using basic pantry staples like ricotta and chocolate chips, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary sweet treat that feels both luxurious and accessible.

Ingredients for Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and creates a smooth, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color when baked.
• Orange Zest: Delivers a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence to the cookies.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender cookie with a delicate crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the orange and chocolate.

• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Powdered Sugar, Fresh Orange Juice: Create a sweet glaze that adds extra flavor and visual appeal to the cookies.

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies showcase Italy’s beloved flavor combination in a perfect sweet treat. Rich, tender cookies blend zesty citrus with rich chocolate, offering a memorable dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 241 grams whole milk ricotta cheese (Galbani brand)
• 113 grams unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 200 grams granulated sugar
• 284 grams all-purpose flour
• 165 grams mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tbsps plus 1 tsp orange zest (from 2–3 navel oranges)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 154 grams powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2.5 tbsps fresh orange juice (for glaze)
• 1 tsp orange zest (for glaze, from 1/2 navel orange)

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Instructions

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended. Set aside for later integration.

1. Using an electric mixer, cream granulated sugar, butter, and orange zest until smooth and fluffy. Periodically scrape mixer bowl sides to ensure even mixing.

1. Introduce egg to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly. Add ricotta cheese and vanilla extract, mixing until completely incorporated.

1. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently mix in mini chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.

1. Refrigerate dough for 1-2 hours to reduce stickiness. For faster chilling, place dough in freezer briefly.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F during final 20 minutes of dough chilling. Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent burning.

1. Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Space cookies 2 inches apart, keeping remaining dough chilled.

1. Bake for 13-14 minutes until cookies are nearly set but not overdone. Look for light golden edges as a doneness indicator.

1. Rest cookies on baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Repeat baking process with remaining dough.

1. Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth and pourable.

1. Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes before storing.

1. Store finished cookies in an airtight container to maintain texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a soft, tender cookie texture during baking.
• Use fresh orange zest for maximum citrusy flavor and avoid dried or pre-packaged zest which can taste less vibrant.
• Consider using room temperature ingredients like butter, egg, and ricotta to help create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends more easily.
• For dietary modifications, swap butter with coconut oil, use gluten-free flour blend, and replace egg with a flax egg to make the recipe more allergen-friendly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 151
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 21 mg