Imagine biting into a cookie so soft, so decadent, that it instantly transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen. These Chocolate and Orange Ricotta Cookies are not just a dessert - they're a culinary adventure that combines the creamy richness of ricotta, the zesty brightness of orange, and the irresistible allure of chocolate chips. Get ready to revolutionize your baking game with a recipe that's about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup of sugar to the ricotta and butter mixture. Continue to beat until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious Chocolate and Orange Ricotta Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your ricotta, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size: This ensures even baking and a professional-looking batch of cookies.
- Let cookies cool completely: They'll firm up and develop a better texture as they cool on the wire rack.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding a light glaze or dusting with powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
