Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist

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🍑 Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist 🍊

Introduction

Soft, tender, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist are a delightful marriage of sweet peaches, creamy ricotta, and the sunny notes of orange and lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a sweet snack, they are light yet indulgent—rich enough to feel like dessert but soft and tender enough to eat by the dozen. Their moist, pillowy texture comes from ricotta, which keeps them delicate while the citrus zests awaken your taste buds with every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something fruity and fresh, these cookies are a showstopper.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended for richness)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tsp orange zest

Optional

  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh or frozen peaches
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Zest the lemon and orange, set aside separately. If using peaches, finely chop them.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and ricotta until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly.
  3. Stir in vanilla bean paste, lemon zest, and orange zest until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  3. If using peaches, gently fold them in now to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Form Cookies

  1. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  2. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm for an even shape.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
  2. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

  • Optional: Dust cookies with powdered sugar once cooled for an extra sweet touch.
  • Serve warm with tea, coffee, or a sparkling citrus beverage for maximum enjoyment.

History & Formation

Ricotta cookies have their roots in Italian-American baking, often inspired by traditional Italian pastries like cannoli and cassata, which use ricotta for a creamy texture. Adding citrus zest, like orange and lemon, is a modern twist that brightens the cookie and balances the richness of the cheese. Over time, bakers began experimenting with fruit inclusions like peaches, strawberries, or blueberries, creating a softer, fresher cookie perfect for spring and summer celebrations.

Conclusion

These Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist are more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of texture and flavor. The ricotta keeps them soft, the peaches add subtle sweetness, and the citrus zest gives them a refreshing finish. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging on your own, they are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

For Cookie Lovers

  • Tip 1: Freeze the dough in small balls and bake fresh cookies anytime!
  • Tip 2: Pair with a citrus-infused tea or a glass of sparkling lemonade for a cafĂ©-style treat.
  • Tip 3: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries or apricots—they work beautifully with ricotta.

Extra Methods for Lovers of Variations

  • Ricotta Swirl: Mix ricotta with a little powdered sugar and pipe on top before baking for a creamy swirl.
  • Glazed Finish: Make a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + fresh orange juice) and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra zing.
  • Nutty Addition: Add chopped pistachios or almonds to the batter for crunch and flavor contrast.

These cookies are soft, fruity, and zesty—exactly what you want when you need a touch of homemade indulgence with a sunny twist.

If you like, I can also create a step-by-step illustrated version of this recipe showing dough, shaping, and the final cookie with the glaze. That would make it feel like a full bakery guide!

Do you want me to do that?

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