Tangerine Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Delightfully soft and cakey Tangerine Ricotta Cookies infused with citrus zest and a creamy ricotta texture, topped with a sweet tangerine glaze and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for a bright, tender treat that combines the tangy notes of tangerine with smooth ricotta in a moist cookie.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (351 grams) all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (297 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (227 grams) full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup mild flavored olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons tangerine zest, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Glaze and Decoration
- 1 2/3 cups (197 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- Sprinkles/Nonpareils for decorating
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place a rack in the center. Line two to three baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside to incorporate later.
- Beat Sugar and Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the granulated sugar and eggs on medium-high speed for about five minutes, until the mixture turns pale, thick, and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the ricotta cheese, olive oil, 1 teaspoon of tangerine zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the sugar and egg mixture. Beat on medium speed until just combined for a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Shape Cookies and Bake: Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft. Remove and cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the Tangerine Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon tangerine zest, and 2 tablespoons hot water until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cookies.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the glaze over each cooled cookie. Immediately decorate with sprinkles or nonpareils before the glaze hardens for a festive finish.
- Let Glaze Set and Store: Allow the glaze to harden fully. Store the cookies in an airtight container layered between wax or parchment paper to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
- You can substitute mild olive oil with a neutral vegetable oil if preferred.
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is full-fat for moist and rich cookies.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to experiment by adding 2/3 cup almond flour to replace the same amount of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and softer crumb.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 126
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
Keywords: Tangerine Ricotta Cookies, citrus cookies, soft cookies, ricotta cheese dessert, tangerine zest cookies, easy cookie recipe