Description
Silky Italian-inspired orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies blend zesty citrus with rich chocolate in a delightful pastry. Homemade comfort meets Mediterranean charm, promising a sweet escape that delights taste buds with each tender, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (241 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (284 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (165 grams) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 ½ tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients and Stabilizers:
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups (154 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare a dry mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Utilize an electric stand mixer to cream sugar, softened butter, and orange zest until smooth and well-integrated, periodically scraping down mixer sides.
- Incorporate egg into the creamed mixture, blending until fully combined, then gently mix in ricotta cheese and vanilla extract.
- Gradually introduce the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated, then delicately fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours, allowing it to firm up and become more manageable for shaping.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat during the final stages of dough chilling.
- Portion the chilled dough using a cookie scoop or spoons, placing rounded tablespoon-sized mounds approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake cookies for 13-14 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges and a set appearance.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Craft a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and additional orange zest until achieving a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle the prepared glaze over completely cooled cookies, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
- Permit the glaze to set at room temperature, then store cookies in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
- Use freshly zested orange rind for the most vibrant citrus notes in both the cookie and glaze.
- Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly, ensuring a balanced sweet-tangy bite in every cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the orange sugar topping from melting.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough texture.
- Always line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 24mg