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Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies – Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies – Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Description

Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to treat yourself to a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and the perfect combination of creamy, zesty, and sweet? Look no further! These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are an absolute delight. Infused with the citrusy freshness of orange zest and the rich texture of ricotta cheese, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. If you’re a fan of cookies with a little twist, this recipe is for you.

The balance of tangy orange and sweet chocolate chips in each bite is simply irresistible. And the best part? These Ricotta Cookies with Chocolate Chips are super easy to make, so you don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve that bakery-quality taste and texture.

Let’s get started on creating these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange (for that fresh citrus flavor)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter option)
  • 1/2 cup candied orange peel (optional, chopped for extra citrusy texture)

Optional Substitutions:

  • Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy ricotta cheese (almond or soy-based options work well).
  • Vegan version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter and ricotta substitute.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick to the surface and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Ricotta, Butter, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, butter, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-blended. This step is crucial for achieving the tender texture that ricotta cheese adds to the cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Orange Zest

Once your butter mixture is fluffy, beat in 1 large egg, vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 large orange. The orange zest will infuse the dough with a fragrant citrusy aroma, giving the cookies their signature fresh flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Candied Orange Peel

Now for the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips and, if you’re using it, the candied orange peel. This step is where the magic happens, as the chocolate chips melt into the dough, adding richness and a touch of sweetness, while the candied peel gives a burst of orange flavor.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them to spread slightly while baking without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them; you want them soft and chewy in the center. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients: It’s important that your butter and ricotta cheese are softened to room temperature for the best texture. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy dough that doesn’t spread properly while baking.
  • Measure flour correctly: When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t accidentally pack the flour and end up with dry cookies.
  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until everything is combined.
  • Use quality chocolate: The chocolate chips are a key ingredient in this recipe, so opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best results.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/orange-chocolate-chip-ricotta-cookies-easy-thanksgiving-recipes/