Italian Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the light, creamy texture of ricotta cheese with a soft, cake-like cookie base. These cookies are traditionally enjoyed during the holidays but are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles to suit any festive celebration. With their subtle sweetness and delicate flavor, Italian Ricotta Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Cookies
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
- Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon Zest – 1 tablespoon (optional)
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – 1 1/2 cups
- Milk – 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract – 1/2 teaspoon
- Colored Sprinkles – for decoration
How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Ricotta: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.
2. Form the Dough
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and pale.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Glaze and Decorate
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or spoon the glaze over the cookies. Place them back on the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Ricotta Cheese
Flavor and Texture: Ricotta cheese is the key ingredient in these cookies, providing a moist and tender texture. It adds a subtle richness without being overpowering, resulting in a delicate and soft cookie.
Nutritional Benefits: Ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains less fat than many other types of cheese, making it a relatively healthy addition to baked goods.
All-Purpose Flour
Structure: All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for these cookies. It has a balanced protein content, which is perfect for creating cookies that are tender yet hold their shape well.
Versatility: This type of flour is a staple in baking and works well in a wide variety of recipes, including these Italian Ricotta Cookies.
Unsalted Butter
Flavor: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
Texture: Butter helps to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in these cookies.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetness: Granulated sugar provides the sweetness in these cookies. It also contributes to the tender texture by helping to aerate the butter during creaming.
Structure: Sugar helps to create a light and fluffy texture in the dough by incorporating air when beaten with the butter.
Eggs
Binding and Leavening: Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together. They also provide structure and help the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light, airy texture.
Moisture: Eggs add moisture to the dough, which contributes to the soft, cake-like texture of these cookies.
Vanilla Extract and Lemon Zest
Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. Lemon zest provides a bright, citrus note that pairs beautifully with the rich ricotta.
Baking Powder
Leavening Agent: Baking powder helps the cookies rise, creating a light and tender texture. It works by releasing carbon dioxide gas when combined with moisture and heat, which causes the dough to expand.
Italian Ricotta Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie tray. Their soft, cake-like texture and subtle sweetness make them a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or everyday treats. The use of ricotta cheese adds a unique richness and moisture that sets these cookies apart from traditional sugar cookies. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these Italian Ricotta Cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Happy baking!
