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–+ servings
ricotta cookies with frosting on a wire rack
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4.93 from 13 votes

Italian Orange Ricotta Cookies

These delicious cake like Orange Ricotta Cookies are the perfect tea or snack cookie.  A tasty orange cookie topped with a creamy orange glaze.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Total Time22 mins
Course: Christmas Cookies, cookies, Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 22 cookies
Calories: 94kcal
Author: Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

FOR THE COOKIES

  • 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese (room temperature) (170 grams)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (112 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • zest 1 orange
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

ORANGE GLAZE**

  • 1 cup icing / powdered sugar
  • 1/2 - 1 tablespoon heavy/whipping/ whole cream
  • 1/2 - 1 tablespoon orange juice (fresh)

**the glaze should be quite thick so start with 1/2 tablespoon first.

    CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

    • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) (112 grams)
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 1/4 cups icing / powdered sugar* (156 grams)
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

    *add more if necessary

      US Customary - Metric

      Instructions

      • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C).  Line one or two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

      FOR THE COOKIES

      • In a large bowl or stand up mixer beat on medium speed until creamy (about 2-3 minutes) the ricotta, sugar and butter.  Then add the egg, vanilla and zest and beat to combine, add the flour and baking powder and beat until just combined.
      • Drop by spoonfuls (I used a tablespoon) onto the prepared cookie sheets.  Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes.  Let cool completely before glazing.

      FOR THE GLAZE

      • In a small bowl mix together the icing / powdered sugar, cream and orange juice.  Mix until smooth.  (should be quite thick).  Spread on cooled cookies and sprinkle with chopped chocolate or sprinkles. Enjoy!

      FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

      • In a medium bowl beat the cream cheese and butter, add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy. Spread over the cooled cookies.

      Notes

      For room temperature, remove from the fridge 30-45 minutes before using.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 34mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.5mg