Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 grams) white granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (170 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sweet Marsala wine
- ½ cup (60 grams) chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
For Decorating
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ cup (60 grams) chocolate chips (for melting)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest: Add the white granulated sugar into a mixing bowl. Grate the zest of one orange directly over the sugar, then rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until fragrant to release the citrus oils.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the softened unsalted butter to the orange-scented sugar. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a handheld electric mixer), beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well aerated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until fully combined. Next, mix in the whole milk ricotta cheese and sweet Marsala wine until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition to form a smooth cookie dough. Then fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown and the cookies appear set.
- Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating.
- Melt Chocolate for Drizzle: Place ½ cup chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler method). Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Decorate: Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a classic look. Then dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies. Let the chocolate set completely before storing.
Notes
- Flour: For best results, measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Chocolate: Use good quality chocolate or chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can use semi-sweet or bittersweet depending on your preference.
- Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides a rich texture; drain excess liquid if ricotta is very wet to avoid soft dough.
- Chilling the dough: This step is crucial to develop flavor and maintain cookie shape while baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian