Description
Orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies are delicate, cake-like cookies infused with fresh orange zest and juice, studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday baking, afternoon snacks, or as a homemade gift. Easily made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
– 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
– 2 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ¾ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)
– 1½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 10 oz full-fat ricotta cheese (substitute plant-based ricotta for vegan diets)
– 1½ tbsp fresh orange zest
– 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips (substitute dairy-free chips for vegan diets)
For the Icing:
– 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
– 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until creamy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and chocolate chips, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not over-mix.
- Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 2–3 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop 1 scant tablespoon of dough per cookie, shaping into balls with lightly floured hands.
- Bake for 13–14 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly pressed.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice for the icing. Spoon over cookies and garnish with orange zest if desired.
Notes
– Use fresh orange zest and juice for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze unglazed cookies for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing. Avoid microwaving if possible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Citrus Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg