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- 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced Ricotta cheese makes these cookies soft and creamy. It adds moisture and keeps them tender. The fresh peaches bring a sweet burst of flavor. As they bake, the peaches soften and blend perfectly with the dough. - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure and helps them rise. Baking powder and baking soda work together to create a light texture. Salt balances the sweetness in the cookies. - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The orange zest and juice add bright, citrusy notes. This flavor pairs well with the sweet peaches. Vanilla extract rounds out the taste, making each bite more enjoyable. You can find the full recipe for these delightful cookies included in this article. To start, I cream the ricotta cheese with the softened butter. This step makes the mixture smooth and fluffy. Next, I add the granulated sugar and mix until it blends well. The color should lighten as you mix. After that, I add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smells amazing. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If I want a hint of warmth, I might add ground cinnamon. Then, I gradually add this flour mixture to the ricotta mix. I stir gently until a soft dough forms. Finally, I fold in the diced peaches. I take care not to mash them, so they stay chunky in the dough. Next, I drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. I space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. I bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should turn light golden, while the centers remain soft. After baking, I let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, I transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. For the full recipe, check out the link. Choosing ripe peaches is key. Look for peaches that are soft to the touch. They should have a sweet scent. A good peach adds juicy flavor to your cookies. If they are too firm, they won't mix well. You want peaches that will blend nicely into the dough. Using the right temperature for ingredients helps too. Let your butter sit at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. Ricotta should also be at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and gives a better texture. Cold ingredients can cause the cookies to spread too much. Adding cinnamon gives a warm touch to your cookies. Just a half teaspoon can make a big difference. It pairs well with peaches and orange zest. If you want to try new fruits, go ahead! Cherries or blueberries can be great swaps. Adjust the sugar if the fruit is sweeter. Dusting with powdered sugar is a simple way to make your cookies look fancy. It adds a nice, sweet touch. Use a sifter for an even layer. You can also garnish with fresh fruit. A slice of peach or a bit of orange zest makes the cookies pop. It helps your cookies look inviting and delicious. {{image_2}} You can easily make these cookies gluten-free. Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. This mix will keep your cookies light and fluffy. You may need to add a little extra liquid since gluten-free flour absorbs more moisture. If you want to make these cookies vegan, switch out the ricotta and butter. Try using blended silken tofu or vegan cream cheese for ricotta. For the butter, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well. This will keep the texture creamy and rich without dairy. Get creative with flavors! You can try lemon or lime zest instead of orange. This gives a fun twist and bright taste. Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Each variation brings a new taste to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make these delightful cookies. To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and moist. You can also layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature for the best results. If you want to keep them longer, try refrigerating them. Freezing cookies is simple and effective. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When you want to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For the best taste and texture, eat your cookies within 3-5 days. If stored well, they can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature. However, freezing can extend their shelf life up to 3 months. Enjoy them fresh or frozen for a delightful treat anytime! For the full recipe, check the link. You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both have a similar texture. Cottage cheese offers a lighter taste, while cream cheese adds a richer flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice. This mix will give you a smooth texture. Yes, you can use canned peaches. They are often sweeter but can be mushier. Fresh peaches provide a firmer bite and a brighter flavor. If you use canned peaches, make sure to drain them well. This helps keep the dough from getting too wet. Look for light golden edges on the cookies. The centers should remain soft and slightly puffed. You can also gently press the top with your finger. If it springs back, they are done. Let them cool a bit on the baking sheet for the best texture. These cookies pair well with tea or coffee. A glass of cold milk is also a great choice. For a fun twist, try them with peach iced tea. This adds a nice fruity touch that complements the cookies. Enjoy your sweet treat! For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this article, I covered how to make delicious Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies. You learned about the key ingredients, like ricotta and fresh peaches. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparing the dough and baking. You also discovered tips for perfect texture and ways to vary the recipe. Storing tips ensure your cookies stay fresh. I hope you feel ready to bake this tasty treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing them with friends!

Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies

Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of Orange Ricotta Peach Cookies! These delightful cookies are made with creamy ricotta, fresh peaches, and a hint of citrus for the perfect summer treat. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a batch in just 30 minutes. Surprise your family and friends with this unique dessert that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

Zest of 1 large orange

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.

      Add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt (and cinnamon if using).

          Gradually add the flour mixture to the ricotta mixture, stirring until just combined and a dough forms.

            Gently fold in the diced peaches, being careful not to mash them.

              Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

                Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers remain soft.

                  Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with additional peach slices or orange zest for a pop of color. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!