Name: Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 3 h 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for shaping; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 10 ounces (283g) full-fat ricotta cheese, at room temperature (around 1 and 1/4 cups); 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons fresh orange zest; 1 Tablespoon (15g/ml) fresh orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips; 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 2–3 Tablespoons (30-45g/ml) fresh orange juice; Optional, for garnish: orange zest

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and melting pockets of chocolate, then this Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe will absolutely sweep you off your feet. These cookies are wonderfully soft and cakey, thanks to ricotta cheese that adds moisture and tenderness in the best way imaginable, while fresh orange zest and juice bring a lively, fresh twist paired with sweet mini chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for your family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe combines familiar comfort with a gourmet touch that’s pretty hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of small round cookies laid out on white crumpled parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is light golden brown with tiny dark chocolate chips mixed throughout. On top of each cookie is a layer of white glaze that looks smooth and slightly shiny, dripping down a bit on some of them. Small orange zest pieces are scattered on the glaze, adding a pop of color. The cookies are close to each other in a scattered, casual arrangement with some crumbs around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these cookies just right depends on using simple, quality ingredients that each play a key role in creating their unique texture, flavor, and appearance. Let’s break down what you need to gather before the magic begins.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for structure, measured carefully to keep the dough soft but manageable.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both work together to give those cookies a gentle rise and a tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and citrus flavors so they truly shine.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming with sugar, it adds richness and a luscious texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, balancing perfectly with the tangy ricotta and orange.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while bringing moisture and a bit of lift.
Full-fat ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that makes these cookies uniquely soft and tender, adding subtle creaminess.
Fresh orange zest and juice: Burst of bright citrus that adds an irresistible freshness and aroma.
Pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that rounds out the citrus and chocolate notes beautifully.
Mini chocolate chips: Small-sized morsels melt into soft pockets of chocolate joy without weighing down the dough.
Confectioners’ sugar (for icing): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze that ties the whole cookie together with fresh orange juice.

How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisking these together now ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt which helps the cookies rise perfectly and taste just right.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until creamy and light—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it introduces air for a fluffy texture and helps dissolve the sugar into the butter.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Ricotta

With the mixer on low, add eggs one at a time followed by the ricotta cheese, keeping everything at room temperature for seamless mixing. Ricotta lends moisture that keeps the cookies supremely tender, while the eggs bind and add body to the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Orange Zest, Juice, and Vanilla

Next, add fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. The zest gives potent orange flavor without extra liquid, while the juice adds light acidity for balance. This is where the cookies start to get their signature zing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Chocolate Chips

Slowly beat in the flour mixture and mini chocolate chips just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough cookies. The batter will be thick, creamy, and slightly sticky, thanks to ricotta’s moisture and sugary richness.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days. Chilling is key—it firms up the dough, slows down spreading during baking, and deepens the flavors for that perfectly tender, cakey bite.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop scant tablespoon-sized dough balls and lightly flour your fingers to shape them into neat rounds. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes until the top springs back gently when pressed. Don’t expect a lot of browning—these cookies stay pale, tender, and soft.

Step 8: Make and Add the Orange Icing

Whisk confectioners’ sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth, adjusting the thickness by adding more juice if needed. Spoon the glaze over cooled cookies and optionally sprinkle with more orange zest for an elegant finishing touch. The glaze sets in a couple hours, giving you a sweet citrus finish that complements the rich chocolate chips.

How to Serve Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe

A stack of three thick, soft cookies with small dark chocolate chips scattered inside each one, placed on a white plate with a round edge pattern. The top cookie is partially broken, showing its soft and crumbly texture inside with more chocolate chips. A smooth, light cream glaze drips down the sides of all three cookies, with some small orange zest pieces sprinkled on the glaze, especially on the top cookie. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the blurry background, there is a tall white cup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these cookies with a light sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest to amplify the citrus aroma. You can also dust them lightly with extra confectioners’ sugar for a snow-kissed look that’s perfect for festive occasions or simply when you want to indulge with a little extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful cookies with a cup of high-quality black tea or a latte to enhance their bright, creamy flavor. They also make a lovely dessert alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato, creating a balanced harmony of textures and flavors on your dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe on a wooden board accented with citrus slices and sprigs of mint for a fresh and inviting presentation. For parties, arrange them in small stacks tied with twine or place them inside decorative tins—making them perfect gifts too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and glazed, these cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered tightly to maintain softness. If you want to store them longer, refrigeration extends freshness up to a week—just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their tender texture fully.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies! For dough, chill it first, then scoop onto parchment-lined trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well without icing—thaw overnight and add fresh glaze before serving.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This brings back the soft, freshly-baked feel and intensifies the chocolate and orange flavors, making each bite irresistible again.

FAQs

Can I substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour?

While whole wheat flour will add nuttiness and fiber, it may affect the texture and moisture of the cookies. If you try it, substitute up to 1/3 of the all-purpose flour and expect a denser, slightly chewier cookie.

Why use mini chocolate chips instead of regular size?

Mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough and prevent the cookies from becoming too heavy or overly flat. Larger chips tend to weigh down the dough, leading to less tender cookies, so sticking with mini chips keeps the texture just right.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies on full-fat ricotta cheese for moisture and texture, which is tricky to replicate. If you want a dairy-free version, consider testing with plant-based ricotta alternatives, but note the texture and taste will differ from the original.

How important is the chilling step?

Chilling the dough is essential. It helps the cookies hold their shape, prevents excessive spreading, and improves flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together. Skip chilling and you might end up with cookies that are too flat and less tender.

Can I halve the recipe?

Absolutely. You can easily halve all ingredient amounts for a smaller batch. Just keep the chilling time and baking time the same for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

If you love soft, fragrant cookies with a perfect balance of citrus and chocolate, I highly encourage you to give this Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe a try. Each bite feels like a little celebration of bright, comforting flavors and tender texture that’s impossible not to adore. Happy baking!