Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta

These orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies are my answer when I want a treat that is both comforting and bright The creaminess from the ricotta creates a tender cloudlike crumb while bursts of orange and melty chocolate chips add pure happiness to every bite If you have a bowl a whisk and about a half hour you can have bakeryworthy cookies that make any day feel special

I first tried these on a chilly winter evening and the citrusy aroma alone made everyone come running Now it is a tradition for birthdays and teacher gifts

Gather Your Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour: creates a sturdy but delicate base I grab unbleached for a mild flavor
• Salt: brings out all the sweetness in the dough Fine sea salt blends smoothly
• Unsalted butter: adds richness Be sure it is room temperature for even mixing
• Granulated sugar: for classic cookie sweetness Creams with butter for a fluffy texture
• Brown sugar: deepens the flavor with subtle caramel notes Choose light brown for the perfect hint
• Ricotta cheese: gives these cookies their signature pillowy crumb Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest result and blot any extra moisture
• Eggs: bind everything for just the right structure Look for large very fresh eggs
• Semisweet chocolate chips: balance the citrus and add gooey pockets of joy Use your favorite brand for best melt
• Baking powder: ensures the cookies puff gently
• Baking soda: helps with browning and soft centers
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warmth Pure extract makes a big difference
• Orange zest: infuses the dough with concentrated bright flavor Go for a heavy hand with zest from a fresh juicy orange
• Fresh orange juice: doubles down on the citrus and boosts the aroma Always zest before juicing
• Optional chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans): add crunch Toasted lightly is best
• Extra orange zest: for an even more pronounced citrus burst

How to Make It

Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat softened butter granulated sugar and brown sugar together with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy about 3 to 4 minutes Pausing to scrape the bowl ensures even creaming This foundation gives the cookies their loft and sweetness

Add Ricotta and Egg

Mix in ricotta cheese egg and vanilla extract Blend until smooth and creamy Do not worry if mixture looks a bit curdled the ricotta will hydrate the flour for pillowy cookies

Infuse with Citrus

Stir in orange zest and orange juice These fresh ingredients wake up the dough and add bright aroma

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together flour salt baking powder and baking soda Mixing these first ensures that leaveners are distributed evenly so every cookie rises just right

Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture blending gently just until no streaks remain Overmixing can make cookies tough so stop when you see a cohesive dough

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts Folding keeps the mixins from breaking and the cookies from getting dense

Shape Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper Use a medium cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded mounds of dough about two inches apart No need to chill dough unless your kitchen is quite warm

Bake

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes Rotate the tray halfway through Cookies are done when edges are just set and tops look slightly glossy They will firm up as they cool

Cool

Let cookies cool on the tray for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack This helps them set and keeps the centers soft

Every time I zest the orange for these cookies the fresh scent fills the kitchen and reminds me of winter baking with my grandmother I always sneak in an extra handful of chocolate chips because my youngest loves finding more in each bite

Flavor Boosters

Layer cookies between pieces of parchment if stacking to prevent sticking Freeze cooled cookies in a ziptop bag for up to three months and thaw as needed Swapping partskim for whole milk ricotta works fine if that is what you have Dark chocolate chips give deeper cacao flavor No fresh oranges Use storebought zest and orange juice but fresh really makes these pop Add chopped dried cranberries or pistachios for a holiday twist

Serving Suggestions

These are extra special with tea or espresso A dusting of powdered sugar on top feels like a treat plate from a fancy bakery Sandwich two cookies with orange marmalade for an incredible dessert Perfect for cookie plates and gifting wrap in parchment with a ribbon

Creative Twists

Ricotta cookies are a beloved Italian American classic often flavored with lemon or anise This orange chocolate spin combines Mediterranean flavors with the comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie Making these for Christmas or Easter was always a family event when I was growing up now it is a favorite way to celebrate the citrus season Swap orange zest for lemon grapefruit or even lime for a warm weather twist For autumn try adding cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg Chopped candied ginger is a fun winter mixin alongside the chocolate

One bite and you will see why everyone asks for this recipe Just be prepared to make a second batch they never last long

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What does ricotta add to the cookies?

Ricotta provides a creamy texture and moisture, helping to create soft and tender cookies with a slightly rich flavor.

→ Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference, but semi-sweet balances nicely with the orange zest.

→ How important is the orange zest in the flavor?

Orange zest adds a fresh citrus aroma and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and ricotta, enhancing the overall flavor.

→ What flour type is best for these cookies?

All-purpose flour is recommended to provide the right structure and tenderness for these cookies.

→ Can these cookies be stored, and for how long?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.