Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze

Introduction

These delightful Italian Ricotta Cookies with almond glaze are a cherished holiday tradition that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your Christmas celebrations. The soft, pillowy texture of the cookies, combined with the aromatic almond glaze, creates a treat that’s not only delicious but visually beautiful as well. I first tried this recipe with my family last Christmas, and it was a huge hit. The lightness of the ricotta cheese paired with the almond flavor made them a perfect balance of sweet and subtle. The cookies are soft yet sturdy enough for glazing and decorating, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday spread. My kids especially loved dipping them into the glaze and sprinkling them with festive red and green decorations. These cookies will undoubtedly become a holiday staple in our house for years to come. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, as a gift, or for your family to enjoy, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes of mixing. The texture should be smooth and airy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread during baking.
7. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be firm but soft to the touch. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. The glaze should have a thick consistency but be pourable.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
   Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies upright on the wire rack to set.
10. Decorate:
    Immediately after glazing, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles to give them a festive look. These add both color and a bit of crunch to the cookies.
11. Set and Serve:
    Allow the glaze to set before serving. This will take about 10-15 minutes, and once the glaze has hardened slightly, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 17mg
• Sodium: 34mg
• Sugar: 9g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling and glazing time)

How to Serve

• As a Holiday Treat: These cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Their festive appearance and delicious taste will surely make them the star of the dessert table.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
• For Afternoon Tea: Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• On a Dessert Tray: Include these Ricotta cookies on a dessert tray alongside other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, biscotti, and fruitcakes.
• As a Sweet Snack: Keep a batch in an airtight container and enjoy them as a quick snack whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up.

Additional Tips

1. Use Full-Fat Ricotta: For the best texture and flavor, make sure to use whole milk ricotta cheese rather than part-skim.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should not brown too much. If the edges are golden, they’re done.
4. Customize the Glaze: If you want to add more flavor to the glaze, try adding a little lemon juice or orange zest to complement the almond.
5. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Glaze: For a different twist, you can drizzle a chocolate glaze instead of the almond glaze. Just melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with a tablespoon of butter or milk and drizzle over the cookies.
2. Add Nuts: Stir chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts into the cookie dough for an added crunch.
3. Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Replace the almond extract with lemon extract and add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus version.
4. Mini Cookies: To make bite-sized treats, drop smaller spoonfuls of dough and bake them for 8-10 minutes.
5. Dried Fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the dough to add some sweetness and texture to the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies with a cup of homemade hot chocolate for a sweet holiday treat.
• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them the perfect addition to any breakfast or afternoon break.
• For Christmas Breakfast: Serve them alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a festive Christmas morning meal.
• As Part of a Holiday Buffet: These cookies fit perfectly into a holiday buffet or dessert table, especially when paired with other homemade Christmas cookies or pastries.
• For a Cookie Exchange: These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange. They’re easy to make, look beautiful, and taste fantastic.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze very well. Once they’ve cooled completely and the glaze has set, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To prevent the glaze from sticking to each other, layer the cookies with parchment paper or wax paper.
• Unbaked Dough: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen dough balls into a storage bag. When ready to bake, just pop them onto a baking sheet and bake for an extra 2 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use part-skim ricotta?
   For the best results, it’s recommended to use whole milk ricotta for a creamy texture. Part-skim ricotta can be used, but the cookies may be slightly drier.
2. How do I make the cookies more lemony?
   You can add lemon zest to the dough and replace the almond extract with lemon extract for a more citrusy flavor.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, you can enjoy these cookies without the glaze, or simply dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains consistent.
6. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
   Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
7. Can I decorate the cookies with other colors?
   Yes! You can use any colored sprinkles or nonpareils to customize the look of the cookies for different holidays or themes.
8. Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?
   Yes, store-bought ricotta cheese works fine, but be sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
9. Do I have to use the almond extract?
   If you prefer, you can replace almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust your baking time accordingly.

Conclusion
These Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Their soft texture, delicate flavor, and festive glaze make them a favorite for both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re baking them for a party, as gifts, or simply as a treat for your family, they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a cherished tradition in your home as well!

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