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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F, preparing a pristine baking environment for delicate cookies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, preparing them for their glistening finish.
- Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract until achieving a silky, seamless consistency.
- 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.
- 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