Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies

Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies with Citrus Glaze are soft, delicate, and bursting with citrus flavor. The ricotta cheese adds a rich, tender texture, while the poppy seeds provide a subtle crunch. Topped with a bright and zesty citrus glaze, these cookies make for a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Moist – Ricotta cheese gives these cookies an incredibly tender texture.
• Refreshing Citrus Flavor – The combination of orange zest and fresh orange juice makes these cookies vibrant and flavorful.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cookies.
• Simple Yet Elegant – These cookies are easy to make but look and taste like a gourmet bakery treat.
• Ideal for Any Occasion – Whether for afternoon tea, holidays, or gifting, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, ricotta cheese, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Bake the Cookies

6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze.

Make the Glaze & Finish

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 20 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Cooling & Glazing Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Twist – Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a tangy variation.
• Almond Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Instead of citrus glaze, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Nutty Addition – Mix in finely chopped almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, warm cookies slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance their softness.

FAQs

How do I keep these cookies soft?

Ricotta cheese naturally keeps these cookies soft, but storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their texture.

Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly, but make sure to drain excess moisture if it’s too watery.

What other glazes can I use?

You can try a lemon glaze, vanilla glaze, or even a honey drizzle for a different flavor profile.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Why did my cookies turn out too dense?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can make the cookies dense. Mix just until combined.

Can I use a different citrus fruit?

Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or even grapefruit zest and juice can be used for a unique flavor.

Do I have to use poppy seeds?

No, you can omit them or replace them with chia seeds for a similar texture.

How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?

Gradually add the orange juice to the powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Conclusion

Orange Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies with Citrus Glaze offer a perfect balance of soft texture, bright citrus flavor, and a touch of crunch from the poppy seeds. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just craving a unique homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy gourmet-quality cookies in no time.