Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a delightful hint of sweetness, look no further than these Italian Ricotta Cookies. Picture this: cookies that are light, airy, and a little bit tangy thanks to the ricotta cheese, paired with a zesty glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re the kind of cookies you make to share—because let’s face it, they disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love Italian Ricotta Cookies

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re full of personality, making them perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

Light and Fluffy

Thanks to the ricotta cheese, these cookies have a wonderful soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re not dense or overly sweet, but perfectly balanced, which makes them so addictive.

A Touch of Italy

Ricotta is a classic Italian ingredient, and these cookies bring a bit of that Mediterranean charm right into your kitchen. They’re perfect for holiday baking, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Customizable

While the traditional recipe is simple and classic, you can add your own twist! Try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness or mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a baking expert to make these! The dough comes together quickly, and the baking process is straightforward. Even beginners can have success with this recipe.

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re light enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee but sweet enough to be the star of any dessert spread.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show! It keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle, creamy richness.
• Butter: Adds a wonderful flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without making the cookies overly sugary.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, warm flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• Flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives it structure.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Glaze

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it that smooth, shiny finish.
• Milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cookies.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Making these Italian Ricotta Cookies is a breeze! Let’s dive into the simple steps:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Form the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to drop the dough onto the sheet. The cookies will spread a little, so don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. They’ll still be soft in the center, but that’s what makes them so tender!

Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies with a spoon or a piping bag.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 (depending on size)
Calories per cookie: 120
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 25mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:

With a Hot Beverage

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their light texture and subtle sweetness complement any hot drink perfectly.

As Part of a Cookie Tray

These cookies are an excellent addition to a cookie platter, especially during the holidays. They’ll add variety and a delicious Italian flair to your spread.

For a Sweet Snack

Enjoy them on their own as a sweet afternoon snack, or serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve them with a bowl of fresh berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overbake

To ensure the cookies stay soft, be careful not to overbake them. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

Experiment with Flavors

Feel free to get creative with these cookies. Add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist, or mix in some mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.

Skip the Glaze for Simplicity

If you’re looking for a simpler cookie, you can skip the glaze and just enjoy the cookies as they are—still delicious and delightful on their own!

Store Properly

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freeze for Later

These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze them before glazing, and then thaw and glaze them when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without ricotta cheese?

A1: Ricotta cheese is essential for the texture, but you could substitute it with mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar effect.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Glaze them just before serving for the freshest look.

Q3: Can I use a different glaze?

A3: Yes! You can experiment with a chocolate glaze or even a simple lemon glaze for a refreshing twist.

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the baked and unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw before glazing.

Q5: How do I make these cookies fluffier?

A5: Make sure you don’t overmix the dough, as that can make them denser. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh to help them rise properly.

Q6: Can I make these cookies without eggs?

A6: You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

A7: Yes! Chocolate chips would be a great addition. Just fold them into the dough before scooping it onto the baking sheet.

Q8: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

A8: Yes! All-purpose flour works just as well in this recipe, giving you a slightly lighter cookie.

Q9: How do I store the glaze?

A9: If you have leftover glaze, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. You can reheat it slightly before using again.

Q10: Can I use another type of cheese?

A10: Ricotta cheese is best for these cookies, but if you want to experiment, you could try mascarpone or even farmer’s cheese.

Conclusion

These Italian Ricotta Cookies are the perfect balance of light, fluffy, and sweet. With their delightful texture and simple glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just indulging in a little something sweet, these cookies are a delicious, homemade treat that’s bound to make everyone smile. Enjoy the process of baking, and most importantly, enjoy sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones!

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