Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
Who doesn’t love a deliciously sweet and tangy treat? These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are the perfect combination of citrusy orange flavor and rich chocolate chips. They’re soft, chewy, and oh so decadent!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the orange zest and chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Q: Can I omit the chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips or substitute with nuts or dried fruit. - Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute. - Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough and bake as needed. - Q: Can I use orange extract instead of orange zest?
A: Yes, you can use orange extract, but adjust the amount to taste. - Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. - Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. - Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. - Q: Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Helpful tips:
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for fluffier cookies.
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Try using mini chocolate chips for even distribution throughout the cookies.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a twist on the recipe.
- For a dairy-free option, you can try using plant-based ricotta cheese and vegan butter.
- You can roll the dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
- Share these cookies with friends and family for a delightful treat everyone will love.
Expert Secrets:
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough to prevent a tough texture.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to set before transferring.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the cookies before baking.
- Store leftover cookies in the freezer for a longer shelf life.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or coconut.
- If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest in the recipe.
- Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and preventing sticking to the baking sheet.
- For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
- If you prefer a crispy cookie, bake for a few extra minutes until slightly browned on top.
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack any time of day.