Ricotta Cookies
Why These Cookies Are Irresistibly Delicious
Ricotta cookies are beloved for their light and airy texture, enhanced with the subtle tang of lemon and the richness of ricotta cheese. Their melt-in-your-mouth consistency, paired with a perfectly sweet glaze, makes them a family favorite. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging in a sweet treat any time of the year.
With this recipe, you’ll learn all the steps, tips, and tricks to bake these Italian-inspired cookies to perfection.
What Makes Ricotta Cookies Special?
Ricotta Cheese: The secret ingredient that adds unparalleled moisture and softness.
Lemon Zest: Provides a refreshing citrus aroma and subtle zing.
Sweet Glaze: A simple icing transforms these cookies into a bakery-style dessert.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Ricotta Cookies
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing structure.
Unsalted Butter: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor without added salt.
Granulated Sugar: For the perfect balance of sweetness.
Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Creates a moist and tender crumb.
Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds a bright citrusy kick.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and aroma.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and gives the cookies their soft texture.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
1. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag; instead, fluff it up, scoop gently, and level off.
2. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least two hours ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
3. Avoid Overmixing
Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
4. Use Parchment Paper
Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
Making the Sweet Lemon Glaze
The glaze is a simple yet essential finishing touch. Combining powdered sugar, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and milk creates a thick, smooth icing that complements the cookies perfectly. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding milk a teaspoon at a time.
Serving and Storing Your Ricotta Cookies
Serving: These cookies taste best when brought to room temperature. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Storing: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by wax paper.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ricotta, butter, and a hint of lemon creates cookies that are soft yet structured, while the glaze adds sweetness and elegance.
Now that you’ve mastered the science and art of ricotta cookies, let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe!
Italian Ricotta Cookies
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
3 ½ cups (495g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
15 oz whole milk ricotta (approximately 1 ¾ cups)
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
For the Icing:
1 Tbsp butter, melted
3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
4–6 Tbsp milk
Instructions
Making the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the ricotta and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 48 hours.
Baking the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop out the chilled dough using a tablespoon and roll into small balls.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and 4 Tbsp milk until smooth.
Add additional milk 1 tsp at a time to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
Finishing Touches:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon the glaze over each one.
Add sprinkles if desired while the glaze is still wet.
Allow the glaze to set at room temperature before serving or storing.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 125
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 2 g
