Get ready to fall in love with the perfect festive treat because these Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe bring together zesty orange, tart cranberries, and creamy ricotta for an unforgettable cookie experience. These soft, tender delights are bursting with seasonal flavors and just the right amount of sweetness, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy moments by the fire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new this season, this recipe brings warmth and joy right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all you need to create this stunning medley of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role from tender crumb to lively citrus bursts and that beautifully balanced sweet-tart cranberry pop.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the soft yet sturdy base for the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly while maintaining softness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and citrus flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the fruitiness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk): Keeps the cookies moist and tender with a subtle creaminess.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and contributes to softness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Bursts of fragrant citrus oils brighten the dough.
- 1 tablespoon orange juice: Provides fresh orange flavor and moisture to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (chopped if large): Sweet-tart jewel-like bits lending texture and holiday cheer.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons orange juice, ½ teaspoon orange zest – the perfect sweet and tangy finish.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick off this delightful baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step spreads out the leavening agents so your cookies rise beautifully and texture stays light and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps make the cookies soft and tender – a crucial step for a melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Blend in the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The ricotta here adds a superb creamy richness that sets these cookies apart from your typical baked treats.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This gentle mixing preserves the integrity and fluffiness of the dough, giving those cookies their signature tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in Dried Cranberries
Gently stir in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed. These little bursts of tartness add both flavor and texture, creating a festive visual appeal you’ll love.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly golden. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Finish
Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until silky smooth. Drizzle this glossy glaze over the cooled cookies, adding a delightful tang and pretty sparkle. Allow the glaze to set before serving or packing them up to share.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these cookies with a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole dried cranberries on top of the glaze for a professional touch. A dusting of finely chopped pistachios can add crunch and a lovely green color that contrasts beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of spiced tea, a rich hot chocolate, or even your favorite holiday coffee drink. The citrus notes brighten the palate, making the perfect complement to warm beverages on chilly days.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in clear glass jars tied with festive ribbons for delightful gifts. Or layer them on holiday dessert platters alongside slices of cinnamon-spiced pound cake and fresh fruit for a stunning seasonal spread everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the ricotta’s moisture, these cookies stay soft and tender for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe for even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed or leftover cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture without drying them out, and the glaze slightly warms for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
While whole milk ricotta offers the creamiest texture, part-skim ricotta can work in a pinch, though your cookies might be a bit less tender and rich. If you do use part-skim, consider a slightly longer mixing time to achieve smoothness.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and juicy, which may affect the dough’s consistency. If using fresh, toss them lightly in flour before folding in to help prevent soggy cookies, but dried cranberries generally give the best texture and balance.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, with the glaze adding a lovely citrus sweetness and pretty finish. If you prefer a less sweet treat, enjoy them plain or dust with powdered sugar instead.
How do I make sure the cookies remain soft?
The ricotta cheese is the secret weapon that keeps these cookies soft and moist. Avoid over-baking and be sure to remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling this recipe is straightforward! Just be sure to mix dough thoroughly and bake cookies on multiple sheets, rotating halfway through baking to maintain even cooking and consistent texture.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe truly brighten up the baking season with their perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and festivity. Once you make these, they’ll undoubtedly become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share year after year. So grab your mixing bowls and start creating these tender, flavorful gems — your holiday cookie tray just found its star!
Print
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and tender Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies, a perfect holiday treat bursting with zesty orange flavor and sweet dried cranberries. The addition of ricotta cheese keeps these cookies moist and tender, making them a festive favorite for cookie trays or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the 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 to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt for uniform texture and flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully combined, infusing the dough with moistness and citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough to evenly distribute bursts of tartness throughout the cookies.
- Portion Cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a light golden hue, indicating doneness. This ensures a soft yet slightly crisp texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth to create a light, citrus-flavored glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cookies, allowing it to set before serving or storing. This adds a sweet and tangy finish enhancing the flavor.
Notes
- These cookies maintain a soft and tender texture thanks to the ricotta cheese.
- Ideal for holiday cookie trays, seasonal celebrations, or gifting to friends and family.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep freshness.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- For extra zest, sprinkle additional orange zest on top of glazed cookies before the glaze sets.
