Description
Italian ricotta cookies are soft, tender cookies made with ricotta cheese for a moist, cake-like texture, topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. A beloved Italian-American classic, perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cookies are puffed and bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Dip the tops of cooled cookies in the glaze and add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
Add lemon zest and juice to the dough and glaze for lemon ricotta cookies.Use almond or anise extract instead of vanilla for a flavor variation.Stir mini chocolate chips into the dough for a twist.For holidays, use themed sprinkles to decorate.Cookies can be made ahead and freeze well (unglazed).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
