Easy Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories of sunday afternoons bloom in this classic italian ricotta cookies recipe that whispers comfort from my grandmother’s kitchen.

Soft clouds of delicate dough promise a melt-in-mouth experience that feels like warm hugs.

Creamy ricotta cheese brings unexpected magic to every tender bite.

Delightful hints of vanilla and lemon zest dance through these pillowy treats.

Light and airy, these cookies transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dust them with powdered sugar, and you’ll create a moment of pure joy that connects generations.

These little miracles will make you fall in love with baking all over again.

What Makes Ricotta Cookies Unique

• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these Italian ricotta cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Soft, tender cookies with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From mixing to glazing, these cookies come together in just a few minutes, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Dress up these cookies for holidays, birthdays, or casual get-togethers by changing sprinkle colors to match the occasion's theme.

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Cookies

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that adds moisture and richness to the cookies.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a golden-brown exterior.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.

• Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: The classic combination that helps the cookies rise and maintain a soft, light texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complementary flavors to the sweet cookies.
• Milk, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that coats the top of the cookies.
• Sprinkles: Provides a colorful and festive decorative touch to the finished cookies.

How to Bake the Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing the perfect environment for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a medium mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Introduce eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything merges beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Gently fold this dry mixture into the ricotta blend, stirring until a consistent dough forms.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Cookies

Roll small portions of dough into adorable bite-sized balls. Arrange them gracefully on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Glossy Glaze

• Milk
• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Decorate With Flair

Dip cooled cookie tops into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place cookies upright on the wire rack and immediately sprinkle with colorful toppings.

Step 8: Finish And Enjoy

Repeat glazing process with remaining cookies until all are beautifully decorated and ready to delight.

Tips to Perfect These Soft Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and ensure neater cookie shapes.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Swap almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic flavor or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Avoid overbaking by watching cookies closely; they should be just lightly golden around the edges for soft, tender results.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Style Variations for Ricotta Cookies

• Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with fresh lemon zest and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to enhance citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Ricotta Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly option.
• Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies: Mix mini chocolate chips into dough before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Variation: Fold chopped almonds or pistachios into cookie dough for added crunch and nutty undertones.

Drinks That Pair with Ricotta Cookies

• Brew Rich Espresso: The creamy, delicate sweetness of these Italian cookies perfectly complements a strong, bold espresso shot that cuts through the cookie's softness and highlights its subtle vanilla notes.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo to complement the cookie's delicate texture, creating a harmonious balance between the wine's fruity sweetness and the cookie's gentle flavor profile.
• Create Coffee and Liqueur Combo: Serve alongside a small glass of amaretto or limoncello, which adds an elegant Italian touch and enhances the cookie's almond extract glaze with complementary citrus or nutty undertones.

How to Store Ricotta Cookies Best

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing sprinkles from bleeding.

Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Warm refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough and soggy.

Keep glazed cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Are ricotta cookies soft or crispy?

Ricotta cookies are soft, tender, and cake-like with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. They’re lighter and fluffier compared to traditional crisp cookies.

• Can I make ricotta cookies without almond extract?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or skip it entirely. The cookies will still taste delicious and have a wonderful flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my ricotta cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie’s shape. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft and use room temperature ricotta cheese for the best results.

Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet, pillowy Italian ricotta cookies melt hearts with their delicate texture and dreamy flavor. Comfort meets tradition in these irresistible treats that connect you to generations of Italian baking magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1/2 pound or 227 grams) butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 container (15 ounces or 425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4–5 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F, preparing a pristine baking environment for delicate cookies.
2. In a mixing vessel, thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs, creamy ricotta, and aromatic vanilla, mixing until harmoniously combined.
3. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and baking soda – in a separate container. Gently fold the flour mixture into the ricotta base, ensuring smooth integration without overmixing.
4. Shape the soft dough into petite, uniform spheres using a teaspoon or cookie scoop. Arrange these delicate orbs onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow graceful expansion.
5. Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a gentle golden hue. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for three minutes, permitting subtle stabilization.
6. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, preparing them for their glistening finish.
7. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract until achieving a silky, seamless consistency.
8. Immerse cookie tops into the glossy glaze, positioning them upright on the cooling rack. Immediately scatter festive sprinkles across the moistened surface for a playful, decorative touch.
9. Continue glazing and embellishing remaining cookies, creating a delectable batch of Italian-inspired treats.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and light.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with different extract flavors like lemon or vanilla for unique taste variations.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg