Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick to the surface and bake evenly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, butter, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-blended. This step is crucial for achieving the tender texture that ricotta cheese adds to the cookies.

Step 3

Once your butter mixture is fluffy, beat in 1 large egg, vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 large orange. The orange zest will infuse the dough with a fragrant citrusy aroma, giving the cookies their signature fresh flavor.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 5

Now for the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips and, if you’re using it, the candied orange peel. This step is where the magic happens, as the chocolate chips melt into the dough, adding richness and a touch of sweetness, while the candied peel gives a burst of orange flavor.

Step 6

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them to spread slightly while baking without sticking together.

Step 7

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them; you want them soft and chewy in the center. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.