Quick Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Sometimes you just need a cookie that feels more like a soft cloud than a crunchy bite. That is exactly what I found when I started experimenting with adding creamy cheese to my cookie dough.

These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies balance bright citrus zest with rich dark chocolate in a way that feels fancy but is actually quite simple. The texture is incredibly tender, and the sweet glaze on top ties everything together perfectly.

What Makes These Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies So Special

The magic of this recipe lies entirely in the texture created by the ricotta cheese. It keeps the dough exceptionally moist and creates a soft, cake-like crumb that practically dissolves when you eat it.

I also appreciate how the fresh orange zest permeates the entire cookie rather than just sitting on top. It pairs beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sophisticated flavor contrast that isn’t too sugary.

This recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking rotation because it yields a large batch perfect for gifting. You can make plenty to share with neighbors without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

If you enjoyed the festive flavors here, you will want to try my Hearty Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies Recipe next. For another classic holiday favorite, the Ultimate Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie Recipe is always a huge hit.

Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to gather before you start baking:

• All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for your soft, pillow-like cookies.
• Baking powder: A necessary leavening agent to help the cookies puff up nicely.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps aerate the butter during creaming.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it is softened to room temperature for proper mixing.
• Oranges: You will use fresh zest for the dough and both zest and juice for the glaze.
• Egg: A large egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: The star ingredient that creates the unique, tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: The smaller size distributes chocolate evenly throughout every bite.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the smooth, sweet glaze.

My Method for Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

Let’s get baking with this simple step-by-step process:

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl for about 20 seconds.
2. Cream the sugar, softened butter, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of orange zest in a stand mixer until combined.
3. Mix in the egg, then blend in the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture slowly until nearly combined, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to make it easier to handle.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last 20 minutes of chilling and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes until the cookies are almost set, then let them cool on the pan for a few minutes.
9. Whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, and remaining zest together to make the glaze, then spoon it over the cooled cookies.

Secrets for Perfect Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

One crucial detail is to drain your ricotta if it seems excessively watery or thin. Excess liquid can cause the Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies to spread too much and lose their pillow-like shape.

I highly recommend using fresh orange zest rather than dried or extract alternatives. The natural oils in the fresh zest provide a vibrant aroma that truly defines these Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies.

Do not skip the chilling step, even if you are in a hurry to get cookies in the oven. The dough is naturally sticky, and that time in the fridge is essential for easier scooping and better texture.

Serving Your Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies

I love serving these with a hot cup of black coffee or an espresso to cut through the sweetness. The warmth of the drink melts the chocolate chips slightly for an amazing sensory experience.

These also look beautiful arranged on a holiday platter alongside drier cookies like shortbread or gingerbread. The bright white glaze and flecks of orange zest add a lovely pop of color to any dessert table.