These Easy Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies are soft and fluffy, with a lovely hint of orange and bits of sweet peach. They’re perfect for a treat any time of day!
I love how quick and fun they are to make. Just mix, scoop, and bake! Plus, the fruity flavor makes them feel like a little bite of sunshine. ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess and keeps the cookies moist. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese blended smooth can work too, or use cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring great flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or apricots can be delicious substitutes as well. You can also use frozen peaches—just thaw and chop them up.
Orange Zest: This adds a bright flavor. If you don’t have an orange, lemon or even lime zest can give a lovely citrusy touch. Be careful with the amount; lemon is stronger!
Food Coloring: The food coloring is optional but adds a fun look. For a natural approach, consider using beet juice or natural food colorings to tint the sugar.
How Do You Get the Cookies to Keep Their Shape When Baking?
To ensure your cookies hold their shape, consider these tips:
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fats, leading to cookies that spread less.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An even temperature helps the cookies rise rather than spread.
- Don’t skip lining the baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with even cooking and easy removal.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to perfect peach cookies every time!
Easy Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 cup fresh peach, peeled and finely chopped
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 20-25 minutes of prep time and 14-16 minutes of baking time. After baking, remember to let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet and a bit longer on a wire rack. Total time including cooling is about 45 minutes. You’ll have delightful peach cookies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your baking powder is evenly distributed before it mixes with the wet ingredients. Set the bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Using a whisk or mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You want everything well combined to bring out that delicious flavor!
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should still be a bit thick.
5. Add the Peaches:
Fold in the finely chopped peaches carefully. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough to give every bite a burst of fruity goodness!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for some spreading while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 14-16 minutes. You want them to be just lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them as baking times can slightly vary based on your oven.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once they are baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set up a bit without falling apart.
9. Assemble the Cookies (Optional):
If you’re feeling creative, pair the cookies into sets of two. You can tint some granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring and roll the cookie pairs in it to mimic the look of peaches. It’ll make them even cuter!
10. Final Touches:
For a fun twist, you can use a small dab of icing or melted white chocolate to glue the two cookie halves together. Then, finish them off by garnishing with a small mint leaf to resemble a little peach leaf.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your lovely orange ricotta peach cookies are now ready to be served! Enjoy these fluffy, flavorful cookies as a delightful treat any time of day. They make a fantastic addition to any spring or summer gathering!
These charming cookies will surely bring smiles with their pretty peach appearance and delicious peach and orange flavor. Enjoy every bite! 🍑✨
FAQ About Easy Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend! Just make sure to choose a blend that has a 1:1 ratio for best results, and consider adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it for structure.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No worries! You can use canned peaches (just drain them well) or frozen peaches that have been thawed and chopped. Just ensure to remove excess moisture before mixing into the dough!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just remember to let them cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make These Cookies Without the Food Coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely optional and just for aesthetics. You can enjoy the cookies in their natural color, and they will still taste fantastic!
