Italian Ricotta Cookies – Soft, Pillowy Treats with a Zesty Lemon Twist

Looking for a cookie that's light, fluffy, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious? These Ricotta Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. With a tender texture that’s almost cake-like, these cookies are subtly sweet with a refreshing hint of lemon and vanilla, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Topped with a sweet, tangy glaze and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, they’re both fun to look at and even better to eat!

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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Why You’ll Love Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies are soft, moist, and have an incredibly tender crumb thanks to the ricotta cheese that gives them their unique texture. The subtle addition of lemon zest provides a bright flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly, while the glaze on top adds a delightful finish. These cookies are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just as an everyday treat when you're craving something special.

What’s more? These cookies are easy to make, and you can prepare the dough ahead of time for convenience. They’re ideal for baking in batches and even better for sharing!

The Inspiration Behind Ricotta Cookies

These cookies take their inspiration from traditional Italian ricotta desserts, where ricotta cheese is often used to create creamy, rich, and soft-textured sweets. This recipe captures that same magic, incorporating ricotta into a simple cookie batter for a treat that’s as light as a cloud. The glaze and sprinkles on top make them festive and fun, perfect for celebrations or gifting to friends and family.

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Baking Tips for Perfect Ricotta Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential in this recipe, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This step ensures the cookies stay thick and soft, instead of spreading too much.
2. Don't Overbake: To achieve the perfect texture, keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. You want the edges to be set and just slightly golden. Overbaking will make the cookies lose their soft, cake-like quality.
3. Customize the Glaze: If you want a different flavor profile, you can easily swap the lemon juice in the glaze for orange juice or even almond extract for a more varied twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Based on 48 Cookies):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Serving Suggestions

Ricotta Cookies are a wonderful addition to any cookie platter, especially during the holidays. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, and their light texture makes them a great complement to richer desserts. You can even get creative with the glaze colors and sprinkles to match the theme of your celebration.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The glaze will keep its shape and texture for several days, making them easy to make ahead.
• Freezing: Both the cookie dough and the baked cookies freeze well. For the dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To freeze baked cookies, simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Fun Fact: The Italian Love for Ricotta

Ricotta cheese has been a staple in Italian kitchens for centuries, not just in savory dishes like lasagna but also in sweet treats. Its mild, creamy flavor and soft texture make it a versatile ingredient in a variety of desserts, from cheesecakes to cannoli filling. Using ricotta in cookies is just another way to showcase this beloved ingredient!

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Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon zest

For the Glaze:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the dough: Cover or wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Form the cookies: Once the dough is chilled, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to form small dough balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
8. Bake: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a cooling rack until completely cool.
9. Prepare the glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
10. Glaze the cookies: Dunk the top of each cookie into the glaze, then place it back onto the cooling rack. Add sprinkles and allow the glaze to set at room temperature (about 10 minutes).

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These Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that’s both light and flavorful. The combination of ricotta, lemon zest, and vanilla creates a cookie that’s uniquely tender and delicious. With their soft texture and festive appearance, they’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon snacks.

Happy baking!