ITALIAN RICOTTA COOKIES

If you’re craving something soft, light, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, then these Italian Ricotta Cookies are exactly what you need. Trust me, these little beauties will steal your heart the second you taste them. They’re perfect for every occasion, whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because you deserve something sweet. Imagine a cookie that’s both delicate and rich, sweet but not overwhelming—a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, with that classic glaze on top, they’re practically begging to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Let’s get into why this recipe is going to become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love Italian Ricotta Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you need a sweet treat. Whether you’re making these for a festive occasion or just because you want something comforting, they always fit the bill.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have at home. It’s the perfect recipe to try when you’re looking to keep things simple without compromising on flavor.

Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in a flash. The process is easy, and even beginner bakers can whip them up with confidence.

Customizable: You can easily tweak the glaze or even add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or zest for a fun twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: You can’t go wrong with these cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and the ricotta gives them a unique texture that people will love. Kids and adults alike can’t resist these soft little bites of heaven.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these ricotta cookies—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is beyond delicious. Let’s break it down:

Ricotta Cheese: The secret ingredient. Ricotta keeps these cookies soft and light, adding richness without being heavy. The texture is perfectly pillowy, making them melt in your mouth.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough. It’s key for that slightly sweet, buttery taste.

Sugar: The granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the subtle ricotta flavor.

Eggs: The eggs bind the dough together and help create that soft, delicate texture.

Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and makes the cookies taste even more comforting.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise, giving them that light and airy texture we all love.

Flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and stability. It holds everything together while keeping the cookies soft.

Glaze Ingredients: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract come together to create a simple but perfect glaze that gives these cookies their signature finish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these melt-in-your-mouth ricotta cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden finish.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. This step ensures the dough has a smooth consistency.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want!

Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They don’t spread too much, so feel free to place them closer if you’re using a smaller baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. They will look soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Make the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.

Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or even a piping bag for a more elegant finish.

Cool and Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Then, enjoy these soft, pillowy cookies that everyone will love!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180 calories per cookie (approximately)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to get fancy, here are some ways to serve them:

Coffee or Tea: These cookies are a match made in heaven with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The lightness of the ricotta and the sweetness of the glaze complement a cozy drink beautifully.

Fresh Fruit: For a more balanced treat, serve them with some fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices. The freshness of the fruit balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

As a Gift: Package them up in a cute box with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. People will be wowed by both the thoughtfulness and the taste.

With Ice Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures is irresistible.

For Breakfast: These cookies are light enough to enjoy with your morning coffee. They make a great breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Italian Ricotta Cookies:

Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It makes the dough easier to handle and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

Add Citrus Zest: For a burst of flavor, add some lemon or orange zest to the dough. It gives the cookies a fresh, citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the ricotta.

Customize the Glaze: You can also flavor the glaze with a few drops of almond extract or lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor.

Store Properly: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they last that long!

Double the Batch: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Make a double batch, and store the extras in the freezer. They’ll last for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them in no time for a sweet snack anytime.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese?
A1: While you can use cottage cheese, ricotta is softer and creamier, giving the cookies their signature texture. Cottage cheese may make them a little less smooth, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Q5: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just stir it well before using it.

Q6: Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
A6: Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a bit of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.

Q7: How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
A7: You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute for best results.

Q8: Can I skip the glaze?
A8: Sure! While the glaze adds a nice touch, the cookies are delicious on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar instead.

Q9: Can I use flavored ricotta?
A9: If you have flavored ricotta (like lemon or cinnamon), feel free to use it! It’ll add a fun twist to the cookies.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! These cookies are great for doubling. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets to spread them out, and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect recipe for Italian Ricotta Cookies! Soft, sweet, and lightly glazed, these cookies are the ultimate treat. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re bound to be a hit. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these delightful cookies. You won’t regret it!

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