Indulge in these delectable Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist. Combining the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the vibrant flavors of citrus, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ricotta Filling:
- 2 heaping cups of ricotta cheese
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons of orange zest
Cookies:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of full-fat milk
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- A small pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
Assembly:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar for coating
- Red or pink food coloring
- 1 tablespoon of rum, peach liqueur, or peach juice
- Mint leaves or other leaf decorations
Directions
Prepare Ricotta:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookies.
Make Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift together the flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, melted butter, salt, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Assemble Cookies:
- While the cookies are still warm, scoop out a small portion from the center of each cookie and pair them by similar sizes.
- Fill each cookie pair with the ricotta mixture, pressing the halves together and sealing with any excess filling.
- Mix the food coloring with rum, peach liqueur, or peach juice. Lightly brush the mixture onto the cookies and then roll them in granulated sugar.
- Chill the cookies in the refrigerator before serving.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 22 cookies
Tips and Variations
- Uniform Cookies: Ensure your cookie dough balls are of the same size for even baking and a uniform appearance.
- Food Coloring: Use food coloring sparingly to avoid making the cookies too wet.
- Chilling: Chilling the cookies before serving enhances their texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Flavoring: Substitute the orange zest in the ricotta filling with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
- Decoration: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the cookies with edible flowers or gold leaf.
How to Store
Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, but full-fat ricotta provides a creamier texture and richer flavor.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
You can substitute an equal amount of vanilla extract.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cookies are not over-brushed with the food coloring mixture and that they are properly chilled before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Peachy Ricotta Cookies with a Zesty Orange Twist, perfect for a refreshing treat at any gathering!