Citrus Bliss: Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Soft, pillowy cookies dance with bright citrus notes in this delightful orange poppy seed ricotta cookies recipe that promises pure bakery-style magic.

These tender morsels blend creamy ricotta with zesty orange essence and delicate poppy seeds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of subtle crunch and velvety smoothness.

The light, cake-like texture melts on your tongue, releasing waves of sunny orange flavor.

Delicate poppy seeds sprinkled throughout add a subtle nutty undertone that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rich ricotta creates an irresistibly moist crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Bake a batch and watch these cookies disappear faster than you can imagine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 178 kcal

Servings: 25

Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookie Ingredient List

• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a smooth, silky glaze that clings perfectly to the cookies.
• Orange Juice: Infuses bright citrus flavor and provides liquid to balance the glaze's consistency.

• Orange Zest: Releases intense, fragrant citrus oils that elevate the cookie's overall flavor profile, adding a zesty punch and vibrant orange essence.

Baking Tools to Get Soft and Citrusy Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming sugar, butter, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients to keep everything organized.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients like flour and poppy seeds.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and creating the glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking Sheets: Need parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to create fresh orange zest.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and spread glaze evenly.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Ensures consistent cookie sizes.

Steps to Bake Cookies with Ricotta Lightness

• Sunny Kitchen Prep

Clear your workspace and gather all baking essentials for a delightful cookie adventure.

• Flavor Foundation

Gently combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a soft, fragrant powder that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Zesty Sugar Magic

Massage orange zest into sugar, releasing vibrant citrus oils that will infuse the entire batch with bright, fresh energy.

• Creamy Butter Transformation

Whip butter and sugar until they become a light, airy cloud that promises tender cookies.

• Wet Ingredient Symphony

Blend eggs, ricotta, and orange juice into the butter mixture, creating a silky smooth base that will make your cookies irresistibly soft.

• Gentle Mixing

Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a light touch, just until everything comes together into a soft, pillowy dough.

• Cookie Creation

Scoop generous dollops onto baking sheets, allowing each cookie space to spread and become golden around the edges.

• Glaze Finale

Drizzle with a sparkling orange glaze that adds a final burst of citrusy sweetness, transforming simple cookies into something magical.

Flavor Tips for Boosting Orange or Texture

• Enhance the citrus flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a more intense, bright taste sensation.
• These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 weeks. Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for perfect preservation.
• For a softer cookie, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and remove from the oven when edges are just barely golden.
• Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios over the orange glaze for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that complements the poppy seeds perfectly.
• Swap orange for lemon zest and juice to create a bright, tangy variation that still captures the cookie's delicate essence.

How to Serve These Cookies in Style or Simplicity

• Citrus Brunch Companion: Pair these zesty cookies with a freshly squeezed mimosa or light orange-infused tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve alongside delicate finger sandwiches and a lavender Earl Grey tea to create a sophisticated dessert spread that will impress guests.
• Dessert Presentation Charm: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh orange slices and sprinkle extra poppy seeds for a stunning visual display that highlights the cookie's vibrant flavors.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a bright orange ribbon for a homemade gift that shows thoughtful culinary creativity.

Store Cookies Gently to Keep Their Moist Bite

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Layer cookies between wax paper in a sealed freezer container; they'll stay delicious for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Glaze Handling Tip: Wait until orange glaze completely sets before stacking cookies to prevent sticking and maintain beautiful presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking, allowing flavors to develop and saving time during busy moments.

Velvety Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy orange poppy seed ricotta cookies offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat. Creamy ricotta and zesty citrus notes make these cookies a perfect companion for afternoon tea or morning coffee.

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Ingredients

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• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsps freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest from 1 orange

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper for effortless cookie removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and poppy seeds in a bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of spices and seeds.
3. Flavor Infusion: Rub orange zest into granulated sugar, releasing intense citrus aromatics and creating a fragrant base.
4. Creaming: Blend room-temperature butter with zesty sugar mixture until light, fluffy, and voluminously incorporated.
5. Wet Ingredient Integration: Introduce eggs one at a time, then fold in orange juice, vanilla extract, and ricotta cheese, mixing until smooth and homogeneous.
6. Dough Formation: Gently combine dry and wet ingredients, stirring minimally to create a soft, slightly tacky cookie dough.
7. Portioning and Baking: Drop two-tablespoon portions onto prepared sheets, spacing evenly, and bake for 16-18 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces set.
8. Cooling Process: Rest cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Glaze Finishing: Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and zest to create a silky glaze, drizzling over cooled cookies and allowing to set before serving.

Notes

• Zest Technique: Gently rub orange zest into sugar to release maximum citrus oils and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and ricotta are at room temperature for smoother, more even cookie texture.
• Gentle Mixing Strategy: Avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; fold ingredients just until combined.
• Cooling Critical: Let cookies rest on baking sheet briefly before transferring to wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg