If you are searching for a festive treat that combines bright citrus notes with the cozy warmth of cranberries and creamy ricotta, you will fall head over heels for the Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe. These marvelous cookies strike the perfect balance between a soft, moist texture and a refreshing zing from the orange, all wrapped up with tart bursts of dried cranberries. They make an irresistible holiday snack that will dazzle your friends and family, offering a delicious spin on traditional festive sweets. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a beloved classic in your holiday baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this recipe each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and vibrant flavor of the Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe. From the creamy ricotta that ensures softness to the zesty orange that infuses brightness, every item on this list brings something special to the cookie plate.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that gives the cookies a gentle lift for softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping with the cookie’s chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk): Keeps cookies moist and soft while adding a subtle tangy creaminess.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Bursts of fragrant citrus zest brighten the flavor profile wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Adds natural orange flavor and moisture for a fresh zing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the cookie’s flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped): Provide tartness and a chewy contrast that makes every bite exciting.
- For the glaze – 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to complement the citrus and cranberries.
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Makes the glaze smooth and citrusy for a glossy finish.
- Zest of 1/2 orange: Adds an extra pop of citrus aroma to the glaze for a delightful final touch.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour. This ensures every cookie bakes up perfectly tender and light.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to creating a delicate crumb and delightful texture in your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. The ricotta will lend moisture and richness, while the citrus elements layer in that signature bright flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gently fold the dough to keep it light and tender. Finally, fold in the chopped dried cranberries to distribute their tart bursts evenly.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to leave room for gentle spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges. The aroma of fresh orange and cranberries will fill your kitchen, signaling your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe is nearly ready.
Step 6: Glaze and Cool
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks. Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest to make a smooth glaze, then drizzle or spread it over the cooled cookies. This final touch adds a sweet, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the cookie’s flavors. Let the glaze set before serving to ensure the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra orange zest or finely chopped crystallized ginger over the glaze just before it sets. You might even toss a few fresh cranberries around the serving plate to highlight the beautiful contrast in colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like spiced tea, pumpkin spice latte, or a creamy hot chocolate. The bright citrus and mellow ricotta combine seamlessly with cozy drinks, making them an ideal companion for holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine branches for a charming holiday display. Gift them in decorative tins or stack them with parchment paper in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for heartfelt edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the ricotta, these cookies remain soft and moist for up to four days, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat for busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
If you want to bake in advance, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before glazing to maintain their freshness and texture.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently revives their softness without melting the glaze. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too moist or the glaze too sticky.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While you can substitute low-fat ricotta, whole milk ricotta provides the best creamy texture and moisture that makes these cookies so special. Using low-fat may produce a slightly drier cookie, but it will still taste delicious.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I replace dried cranberries with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots can add interesting flavors and textures. Just keep the quantity the same, and chop larger pieces so the cookies bake evenly.
How thick should I drop the cookie dough for baking?
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart to give them space to spread gently. The dough should hold a somewhat rounded shape prior to baking to get those tender, cakey edges.
Is it necessary to make the glaze?
The glaze adds a lovely burst of citrus sweetness and an attractive finish, but the cookies are delightful even without it. If you prefer simpler treats, feel free to skip the glaze or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of sharing a warm, fragrant homemade cookie with loved ones during the holiday season, and the Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe brings all the festive cheer you could wish for in a bite. With their tender crumb, bright citrus, and tangy cranberries, these cookies are sure to brighten any celebration. I encourage you to bake a batch and watch them become an instant holiday favorite in your home too!
Print
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are a festive holiday treat combining the creaminess of ricotta with zesty orange and tart cranberries. Soft and moist with a delightful glaze, they’re perfect for Christmas celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give your cookies a tender texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the cookie dough evenly distributing the fruit throughout.
- Portion dough: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set with lightly golden edges indicating they are done.
- Cool cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth to make a bright, flavorful glaze.
- Glaze cookies: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies evenly. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to avoid stickiness.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft and moist for days thanks to the ricotta cheese.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months; glaze them after thawing to maintain texture and flavor.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best vibrant citrus flavor in both dough and glaze.
