Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

Short description

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are irresistibly soft, pillowy treats infused with fresh orange zest and dotted with rich dark chocolate chips. Topped with a vibrant orange glaze, these festive cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or whenever you crave a bright, sweet indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer a delicate texture thanks to creamy ricotta cheese, paired beautifully with the bold flavors of orange and dark chocolate. Easy to prepare and full of seasonal charm, they make an elegant addition to any dessert tray. Their balanced sweetness and refreshing citrus glaze set them apart from traditional cookie recipes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange

Directions

Prepare the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, and orange zest until light and fluffy. Add the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon the glaze over the tops or dip each cookie into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes
Calories: Approximately 140 kcal per cookie

Variations

• White chocolate: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.

• Almond flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for an aromatic variation.

• Mini cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats; adjust baking time accordingly.

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

• Extra citrusy: Add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a more complex citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week if desired. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature and glaze after thawing for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives the cookies a richer, creamier texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze enhances the orange flavor but the cookies are delicious even without it.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Dark chocolate chips provide a nice balance to the sweet dough, but semisweet chips also work well.

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are soft, pillowy treats bursting with fresh orange flavor, rich dark chocolate chips, and a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for the holidays or any sweet occasion, these easy ricotta cookies deliver a bright, festive twist to classic cookie baking!

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:
  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, butter, and orange zest until light and fluffy. Add the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.

• Bake the Cookies:
  Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Make the Glaze:
  In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

• Glaze the Cookies:
  Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon the glaze over the tops or dip each cookie into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

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Notes

• For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the glaze while it’s still wet.

• Cookies stay soft for days — store in an airtight container at room temperature.

• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if preferred.