Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Muffins

Rich, tender,with a burst of orange and dotted with chocolate chips.Thank you Two Peas and Their Pod

2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup ricotta cheese..low or full fat
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
• Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. 
• Set aside. 
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 
• Set aside. 
• In a small bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. 
• Rub the orange zest and sugar together with your fingers.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar and orange zest mixture together until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
• Add the ricotta cheese and beat until smooth. 
• Beat in the egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix until just blended. 
• Stir in the chocolate chips. 
• Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups.
• Bake muffins for about 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden brown. 
• Let muffins cool completely.
• While the muffins are cooking, make the glaze. 
• In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. 
• Drizzle glaze over muffins. 
• Let the muffins sit until glaze hardens.