Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that brings together creamy ricotta cheese and melty chocolate chips in a way you never expected. This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe turns the classic chocolate chip cookie into a tender, moist, and utterly irresistible treat, with a subtle tang from the ricotta that balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies have a unique, soft crumb and delightful richness that’ll make them a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of the ricotta to the soft crumble of the flour, every element is essential for these cookies to shine.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds moisture and a creamy tang that creates a soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping achieve that lightly crisp edge.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together for structure and richness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides buttery flavor and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: The cookie’s base, delivering just the right amount of chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and brings depth to the flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic mix-in, adding melty pockets of delightful chocolate.
- Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness and chocolate flavors.
- Baking powder: Provides a gentle lift for a light, soft cookie.
How to Make Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep helps ensure even baking and easy clean-up, making your cookie experience stress-free from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is key for giving these cookies their delicate texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, stir in the large egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined. The egg adds richness and structure, while vanilla delivers that classic warm note that ties the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate the Ricotta Cheese
Add the ricotta cheese to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough smooths out. The ricotta is what sets this recipe apart, infusing moisture and creaminess that makes every bite soft and satisfying.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening and seasonings distribute evenly throughout your cookie dough, which is vital for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ricotta mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender cookie, so a gentle hand is best.
Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they get evenly dispersed. These luscious chocolate bites will melt in the oven, creating pockets of sweet goodness throughout each cookie.
Step 8: Portion the Dough
Use a spoon or scoop to drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing gives them room to spread just enough without running into each other.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until their edges turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake; you want soft centers with slightly crisp edges.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set perfectly while still being soft and chewy inside.
How to Serve Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. A few flakes of sea salt on top right out of the oven also elevate the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cookie pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich espresso. For a fun treat, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and sprigs of mint for a charming spread. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant touch that’s perfect for sharing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve their soft texture while keeping the chocolate chips perfectly melty when you reheat or enjoy them later.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cookies in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and softness, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta for the Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
While full-fat ricotta gives the best texture and richness, you can use low-fat ricotta if needed. Just keep in mind the cookies might be slightly less tender and creamy.
What makes this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The ricotta cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes these cookies softer and more tender than your typical cookie. It’s a delicious twist that feels both familiar and uniquely delightful.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter provides flavor and structure that oil can’t replicate exactly in this recipe. For best results, stick with softened unsalted butter to maintain the ideal texture and taste.
How can I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, and chill your dough briefly before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
Is this recipe suitable for making smaller or larger cookies?
You can adjust the size, but keep in mind that smaller cookies will bake faster and be crisper, while larger cookies need more time and will be softer inside. Just monitor baking time closely to avoid over- or under-baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s a little unexpected but stunningly delicious, this Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make and rewards you with a batch of cookies that feel homemade and heartfelt. Once you’ve experienced the tender crumb and cozy flavors from ricotta, this recipe will surely become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies 1x
Description
These Ricotta Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a soft, moist, and tender texture with a deliciously rich flavor from ricotta cheese. Perfectly balanced with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are an irresistible treat that combines creaminess and sweetness for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Mix in Ricotta Cheese: Stir the ricotta cheese into the wet mixture until fully incorporated and smooth, adding moisture and richness to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning elements.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling that they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, use part whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ricotta cheese adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the cookie’s flavor and softness.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute the chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins like nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
