Zesty Orange & Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies Recipe

Sweet ricotta peach cookies burst with sunshine-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate layers of creamy cheese and fragrant citrus create a magical combination.

Summer’s bounty shines through each carefully crafted bite.

Ripe peaches mingle with zesty orange essence, promising a delightful treat.

Soft and pillowy textures invite you to savor every delectable moment.

Memories of orchard wanderings emerge with each delicate cookie.

Bake these little gems and let pure culinary joy unfold.

New Flavors For Orange Sweet Peach Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cookie Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a wheat-free alternative that maintains soft texture and rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Ricotta Swap: Use cashew or tofu-based ricotta instead of traditional dairy ricotta to create a plant-based filling with similar creamy consistency.
• Low-Sugar Cookie Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving cookie's sweetness.
• Citrus Flavor Remix: Experiment with different citrus zests like lime or grapefruit instead of orange to create unique flavor profiles that complement the ricotta filling.

How To Serve Ricotta Peach Cookies For Dessert

• Peach Picnic Perfection: Pack these delightful cookies in a cute basket for a charming outdoor treat that'll wow your friends.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these cookies on a delicate china plate alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Arrange the cookies on a tiered stand with other sweet treats, creating a stunning centerpiece that'll make guests marvel at your baking skills.
• Festive Gift Idea: Wrap a batch of these cookies in a pretty box with a ribbon, making them a stunning homemade gift for birthdays or special celebrations.

Storing Orange Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies Best

• Place cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, maintaining their fresh texture and delicate flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring no moisture seeps in to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let them defrost naturally at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. This helps restore their crisp edges and brings out the rich orange-infused ricotta flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients include ricotta cheese, flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, orange zest, lemon zest, rum (or juice), and food coloring.

• Do I need any special baking tools?

You’ll need basic baking tools like mixing bowls, whisks, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a zester for orange and lemon zest.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be prepared in advance and chilled for a few hours before serving, which actually helps enhance their flavor and texture.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe requires moderate baking skills. While it has multiple steps, a baker with some experience can successfully create these elegant peach-shaped cookies.

Orange Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies With A Twist

• Burst with Flavor: Indulge in a delightful citrusy twist that combines creamy ricotta, zesty orange, and sweet peach-shaped cookies for a mouthwatering treat.
• Impress Your Guests: Create a stunning dessert that looks like adorable mini peaches, perfect for special gatherings, parties, or elegant afternoon tea.
• Craft with Ease: Navigate through simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a professional-looking dessert, making you feel like a pro baker without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Delight: Experiment with different flavor variations by swapping zests, adjusting fillings, or playing with food coloring to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Gather All Ingredients For Ricotta Peach Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cookie texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cookie dough.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookies.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth filling with a delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cookie dough and the ricotta filling.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Offers a subtle citrus note to the cookie dough.

• Rum or Juice, Water: Used for creating food coloring mixture.
• Food Dye: Helps create the peach-like appearance of the cookies.
• Mint Leaves: Used as a final decorative garnish.

Steps For Orange Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookie Success

Step 1: Whip Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk ricotta cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Fold in orange zest and vanilla bean paste.

Cover and refrigerate while preparing cookie dough.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

• Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl
• Whisk eggs and sugar in a separate bowl
• Add milk, melted butter, salt, and lemon zest to egg mixture
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until fully combined

Step 3: Form Dough Ball

Work the dough with your hands, pressing it into a cohesive ball.

Add a sprinkle of flour if the dough feels too sticky.

Aim for a soft, smooth texture that holds together easily.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Allow dough to rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Pieces

Roll dough into two logs.

Slice each log into small pieces and shape into smooth balls.

Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.

Gently press down on each ball to flatten the bottom.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.

Cookies should have golden brown bottoms.

While still warm, carefully cut a small circle in the bottom of each cookie and scoop out a small cavity.

Step 7: Prepare Coloring Mixture

• Mix rum or juice with food coloring
• Add water to dilute slightly
• Place remaining sugar in a shallow bowl

Step 8: Fill Cookie Centers

Spoon ricotta filling into each cookie cavity.

Press two cookie halves together, allowing filling to peek out slightly.

Smooth excess filling along the seam.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Brush each cookie with food coloring.

Gently roll in sugar to create a peach-like appearance.

Arrange on a large serving plate.

Step 10: Chill And Present

Refrigerate cookies for a few hours to set.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Enjoy the delightful orange-infused treat!

Tips To Nail Orange Peach Ricotta Cookies Every Time

• Whisk ricotta and sugar until ultra-smooth to prevent lumpy filling and ensure creamy texture.
• Add flour gradually if dough feels sticky, maintaining soft consistency without making it dry or crumbly.
• Rotate baking sheet midway to ensure uniform golden-brown bottoms and prevent uneven cooking.
• Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop cookie centers precisely, keeping edges intact for neat presentation.
• Apply food coloring gently and evenly, using light brush strokes to create natural-looking peach hues without streaks.

Orange Infused Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Orange Infused Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies blend summer’s juicy essence with delicate Italian pastry charm. Crumbly, sweet, and fragrant, these cookies invite warm memories of Mediterranean kitchens and leisurely afternoon treats.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 heaping cups ricotta cheese
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup full-fat milk

Sweeteners and Flavors:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon rum, peach liqueur, or peach juice
• Red or pink liquid food coloring

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Small pinch salt
• Mint leaves or other leaf decorations (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk ricotta cheese with sugar until creamy and smooth. Incorporate orange zest and vanilla bean paste. Refrigerate the mixture while preparing cookie dough.
2. Sift flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until well combined. Add milk, melted butter, salt, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, ensuring complete incorporation. Use hands to form a soft, smooth dough ball, adding minimal flour if too sticky.
4. Refrigerate dough for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F with center rack positioned. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Divide dough into two logs, cutting each into 44 uniform pieces. Shape into smooth balls, placing them 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Gently flatten each ball’s bottom.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating pan midway through. Cookies should develop golden brown bottoms. While warm, carefully hollow out center of each cookie, creating space for filling.
7. Mix rum (or juice) with food coloring in a small bowl. Dilute with water if needed. Prepare a separate shallow bowl with remaining sugar.
8. Fill cookie cavities completely with ricotta mixture. Press two cookie halves together, allowing filling to emerge slightly at the seam. Remove excess filling.
9. Brush each cookie with food coloring, then delicately roll in sugar. Arrange on a large serving plate.
10. Refrigerate cookies, covered, for several hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just prior to presentation.

Notes

• Choose full-fat ricotta for a creamier, richer filling that holds its shape better when stuffed into cookies.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading during baking and ensure a more compact cookie texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to help create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends easily.
• Swap out rum for orange juice if preparing a non-alcoholic version, maintaining the citrusy flavor profile while keeping the recipe family-friendly.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 136 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 43 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg