Italian Ricotta Cookies

Name: Italian Ricotta Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups powdered sugar; 4-5 tablespoons whole milk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for icing); Rainbow or holiday sprinkles

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 5, 2025

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Italian Ricotta Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a sweet embrace that transports you to the sun-soaked Italian countryside with every bite. Imagine soft, fluffy cookies infused with the richness of ricotta cheese, sprinkled with colorful toppings, and drizzled with creamy icing. They’re perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just that little moment of indulgence you deserve after a long day. Making Italian Ricotta Cookies is simple and fun, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake will have everyone asking what’s cooking. So, put on your favorite apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s create a batch of joy that you’ll want to share—though you might just want to keep them all to yourself!

Why This Recipe Works

Italian Ricotta Cookies stand out from the usual cookie lineup due to their unique texture and flavor profile. The ricotta cheese softens the dough, making these cookies tender and light. This tender quality contrasts beautifully with the balanced sweetness and fresh citrus zing, which keeps the flavors exciting. It’s that perfect combination that turns a simple cookie into a delightful masterpiece. You’ll notice that the more you bake them, the more their intriguing allure becomes apparent, making them an irresistible treat for everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Ricotta Cookies

There’s something enchanting about Italian Ricotta Cookies, and it’s not just their taste. They encapsulate the warmth and coziness of Italian culinary tradition, evoking fond memories with each bite. Imagine serving them at a family gathering, where they quickly disappear, leaving everyone happily reminiscing about their favorite desserts. Their cheerful appearance, especially when adorned with sprinkles, lifts spirits and adds a festive touch to any occasion. You’ll love how easy they are to make, too. A few simple steps, and you have a homemade treat that’s sure to put smiles on faces.

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is an important first step in the baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 4-5 tablespoons whole milk
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for icing)
– Rainbow or holiday sprinkles

With everything in place, you’re ready to start making these delicious cookies!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

First, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour and makes for a uniform cookie texture. You want a nice, fluffy mixture that provides a great base for the cookies.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s move on to creating that creamy mixture! In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. This should take about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add in the lemon zest, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined—it’ll smell heavenly!

Incorporating the Ricotta

It’s time to add the star of our recipe—the ricotta cheese! Slowly incorporate the ricotta into the butter mixture. You want to mix until the ricotta is fully blended in, creating a smooth and luscious batter. This adds that great moistness and flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Forming the Dough

Next, we’re going to bring everything together. Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients. Take it slow and mix just until a soft dough forms. Here’s a pro tip: take care not to overmix; doing so can make your cookies tough instead of tender.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Grab a small cookie scoop and drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart—they’ll spread a little during baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges just turn lightly golden. When they’re done, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Preparing the Icing

As the cookies cool, let’s prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. You want this to be smooth and creamy—like a delightful, sweet cloud.

Icing the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool and the icing is ready, dip the tops of each cookie into that dreamy icing. Let any excess drip off. Then, place them back on the wire racks and generously top with your sprinkles. The colors will bring a joyful vibe to your cookie display!

Allowing the Icing to Set

After icing, let your cookies sit at room temperature until the icing hardens a bit. This step not only makes the cookies look lovely but also makes sure that each bite has a delightful finish.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Ricotta Cookies shine when paired with a cup of espresso, or you can enjoy them with a chilled glass of milk. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet treat throughout your week. Each bite brings a little taste of Italy to your table.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your baking goes smoothly:
– Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results.
– Use high-quality ricotta cheese because it makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
– Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond or lemon—it can add interesting variations to your cookies.

Variations

Let’s get creative!
– Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a different take on flavor.
– Add chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
– For a nuttier flavor and texture, substitute half the flour with almond flour.

Storage Tips

You can keep these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to store them even longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months this way!

FAQs

1. Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?
Yes, while whole milk ricotta will yield a richer cookie, part-skim works as well.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a golden edge; they should be soft in the center to ensure they stay chewy.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
Flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer can work, but keep in mind results may vary.

5. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature, as refrigeration could change their texture.

Italian Ricotta Cookies are not just treats; they’re a slice of Italian culture that brings warmth and happiness to any occasion. Their soft and fluffy texture, combined with the delightful icing, makes them a joy to eat. Whether shared with friends and family or enjoyed solo with your favorite drink, these cookies have all the charm to quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection. Enjoy every delicious bite!