If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday baking with something irresistibly soft, flavorful, and just a touch sophisticated, the Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, cake-like cookies burst with bright citrus notes and the perfect tartness from dried cranberries, all while the ricotta cheese keeps them moist and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Finished with a sweet and zesty orange glaze, these cookies are not only festive but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cookie trays, gift boxes, or cozy teatime moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy ricotta that delivers tenderness to the fresh orange zest and juice that infuse brightness, and the dried cranberries which add that lovely, chewy tartness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures tender crumb.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Keeps cookies moist and gives a luscious texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs in vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice: Infuses juiciness and subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet undertones.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the cookie’s soft cake-like body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the right level of tenderness and lift.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped: Brings cheerful bursts of tart fruitiness throughout the cookie.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, ½ teaspoon orange zest to add that luscious finishing touch.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream together the sugar and softened butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy — this is the foundation of your cookie’s tender texture.
Step 2: Add Moist Ingredients
Mix in the ricotta, egg, freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This blend guarantees a bright, moist dough with a refreshing citrus punch that sets these cookies apart.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed for consistent baking results.
Step 4: Bring Dough Together and Add Cranberries
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined — don’t overmix! Then fold in the chopped dried cranberries, folding them through carefully so their tartness is perfectly dispersed.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle this vibrant, zesty glaze over the cookies and allow it to set before serving. The glaze adds a deliciously tangy sweetness that makes these cookies truly festive.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or sparkling sugar on top after glazing for an extra pop of color and crunch. These little touches make your cookies look as delightful as they taste, perfect for making an impression at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. The citrus and cranberry flavors pair wonderfully with classic holiday drinks, enhancing the cozy vibe of any festive moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging these cookies in a beautiful tin lined with parchment paper or wrapping a stack with a festive ribbon for lovely homemade gifts. They also look charming placed on a tiered dessert stand, making your holiday spread feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the baked and glazed Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them fresh, moist, and delicious, ready whenever you crave a sweet citrus bite.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. This method preserves their softness and flavors beautifully for several weeks.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving. If desired, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked warmth and tenderness that makes these cookies so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute part-skim ricotta, but whole milk ricotta gives the best richness and moisture to these cookies. Using part-skim may result in a slightly drier texture.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after glazing?
It’s best to freeze the cookies before glazing. Freezing glazed cookies can cause the icing to crack or become sticky when thawed.
Can I substitute fresh orange juice with bottled juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars for the best taste.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake them; pull the cookies out as soon as the edges begin to turn golden. Also, the ricotta does much of the work to keep the texture tender, so be sure to use fresh ricotta for best results.
What other dried fruits can I use instead of cranberries?
Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots make excellent substitutes and keep the bright, fruity character of the cookies intact.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies – A Holiday Delight Recipe truly capture the joy and warmth of the season in every bite. Their bright, happy flavors and tender texture make them a standout addition to any holiday treat collection. I can’t recommend them enough for those cozy baking days when you want to impress while keeping things simple and delicious. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your festive traditions!
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
Orange cranberry ricotta cookies are soft, cake-like treats bursting with bright citrus flavor and tart dried cranberries. The ricotta keeps them moist and tender, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays, gift boxes, or enjoying with a cup of tea. A simple orange glaze on top adds a sweet, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the ricotta cheese, egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Scoop Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are baked through.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving for a sweet and zesty finish.
Notes
- For extra flair, top glazed cookies with finely chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of sparkling sugar to add color and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze unglazed cookies for longer storage; glaze them after thawing for best results.
