Orange Ricotta Cookies

The smell of fresh orange zest fills the air while these bake.
These Orange Ricotta Cookies are soft, light, and taste like little bites of sunshine.

I made them one afternoon when I wanted something sweet but not too heavy.
The ricotta makes them tender and moist, while the orange adds a bright, happy flavor.

If you love cookies that feel fresh and comforting at the same time, this one’s for you.
Let’s bake a batch and bring a little citrus joy to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pillowy Soft Texture: Ricotta cheese creates cookies that are wonderfully light and tender, almost like little cakes.
• Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice give these cookies a refreshing, not-too-sweet taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple mixing method with no fancy equipment needed.
• Stay Fresh Longer: The ricotta helps these cookies stay moist for several days.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Beautiful enough for parties, simple enough for everyday snacking.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 30 cookies, enough for a crowd or to keep your cookie jar stocked all week. Want more? The recipe doubles easily.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. Even first-time bakers will have success with these forgiving cookies.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (2)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheets (2)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire cooling rack
• Zester or grater for orange zest
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Orange Ricotta Cookies

These Italian-style cookies use everyday ingredients you probably have on hand. The ricotta makes them special, while orange zest brings bright, sunny flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies without making them too heavy.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Ricotta cheese: The secret ingredient that makes these cookies soft and cake-like.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor.
• Orange zest: Brings bright citrus oils and aroma.
• Orange juice: Adds tangy orange flavor throughout.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth coating.
• Orange juice: Thins the glaze and adds extra citrus punch.
• Orange zest: Optional, for garnish.

Variations for Orange Ricotta Cookies

• Lemon Version: Swap orange zest and juice for lemon to make Lemon Ricotta Cookies.
• Add Mix-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pistachios.
• Almond Extract: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for deeper flavor.
• Skip the Glaze: Dust with powdered sugar instead for a simpler finish.
• Make Them Fancy: Add candied orange peel or sprinkles to the glaze while wet.

How to Make Orange Ricotta Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should look pale and creamy.

4. Add Eggs and Ricotta

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The batter will look slightly lumpy from the ricotta, and that’s perfectly fine.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually. Mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, more like thick cake batter than traditional cookie dough.

6. Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops stay pale. The cookies should spring back lightly when touched.

7. Cool Completely

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Make sure they’re completely cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt and run off.

8. Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drip slowly. Add more juice or sugar to adjust consistency.

9. Glaze the Cookies

Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with extra orange zest while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Orange Ricotta Cookies: These cookies are perfect for many occasions:

• With Coffee or Tea: The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• On Cookie Platters: Add to holiday cookie trays alongside other favorites.
• As Gifts: Pack in boxes or tins with tissue paper for homemade gifts.
• For Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
• With Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Decoration Ideas:

• Drizzle with white chocolate instead of glaze
• Top with colorful sprinkles before glaze sets
• Add candied orange slices for elegant presentation
• Dust with extra powdered sugar for rustic look
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves

Storing Orange Ricotta Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The ricotta keeps them moist and soft.

Refrigerator: These cookies can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze before serving. You can also freeze glazed cookies, but the glaze may crack slightly.

Glaze Storage: If making glaze ahead, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Whisk before using and add a little orange juice if it thickens too much.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and ricotta are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until flour disappears to keep cookies tender. Overmixing creates tough cookies.
• Use Fresh Ricotta: Full-fat ricotta gives the best flavor and texture. Drain excess liquid if your ricotta seems watery.
• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your oranges before cutting and juicing them.
• Watch the Bottoms: These cookies are done when bottoms are golden but tops stay pale. Overbaking makes them dry.
• Glaze Consistency Matters: The glaze should be thick but pourable. Test on one cookie first and adjust if needed.
• Let Glaze Set: Give the glaze at least 30 minutes to set before stacking or storing cookies.
• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to make all cookies the same size so they bake evenly.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 of 30)
Calories	95
Total Fat	3.5g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	45mg
Total Carbohydrates	14g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	8g
Protein	2g
Vitamin C	2% DV
Calcium	3% DV
Iron	2% DV

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Orange Ricotta Cookies FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta? Full-fat ricotta gives the best texture and flavor, but low-fat will work. The cookies may be slightly less tender and moist.

Why are my cookies flat? Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, the dough should be soft but not runny. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Can I make these ahead? Yes! Bake cookies up to 2 days ahead and store unglazed. Add fresh glaze the day you plan to serve them.

Do I have to use the glaze? No, you can dust with powdered sugar instead, or enjoy them plain. The cookies are delicious either way.

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, scoop dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges? You can use bottled orange juice, but fresh zest is important for the best flavor. If you must skip the zest, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla.

Conclusion

Orange Ricotta Cookies combine the soft, tender texture of Italian-style ricotta cookies with the bright, cheerful flavor of fresh oranges. These easy-to-make treats stay moist for days and bring a taste of sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, packing lunches, or just want something special with your afternoon tea, these cookies deliver every time.

I’ve used these ingredients to cook the recipe: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and powdered sugar.