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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that’s delightfully tender, bursting with almond flavor, and melts softly on your tongue, then the Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies combine the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the subtle nuttiness of almond extract and the perfect hint of vanilla, creating a treat that is as comforting as it is elegant. Perfect with a cup of coffee or as a charming end to any meal, these Italian almond ricotta cookies are a true celebration of simple ingredients and authentic flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is all it takes to create these mouthwatering cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring the texture is soft, the flavor is layered, and the presentation is inviting.
- Softened Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter allows for easy blending and ensures a tender, buttery crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The star ingredient that brings moisture and creaminess; drain any excess water for best results.
- Large Eggs: They bind all the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s soft structure.
- Almond Extract: Infuses the cookies with an irresistible nutty aroma; vanilla extract can be a delightful substitute for a twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, rounding out the sweetness with subtle warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure to hold these tender cookies without toughness.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and fluffy.
- Sliced Almonds: Adds a pleasant crunch and a visual appeal as a garnish.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting – a delicate finish that adds sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. Make sure your butter is soft and your ricotta cheese is well drained—this ensures the dough will come together perfectly without excess moisture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, setting the stage for that signature softness.
Step 3: Add Ricotta, Eggs, and Extracts
Next, incorporate the ricotta cheese, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix just until everything is combined – overmixing can affect texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, folding gently to create a smooth, cohesive dough.
Step 5: Shape and Garnish
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press a few sliced almonds into the top of each cookie for that inviting crunch and beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as these cookies are delicate and baking time can vary slightly with each oven.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sliced almonds add wonderful texture during baking, consider finishing your dessert plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and a glossy finish that makes these cookies shine.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with fresh berries or a small dish of lemon curd to brighten the richness. For a truly indulgent experience, serve alongside a cappuccino or a chilled glass of Moscato.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies on a delicate cake stand or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for an inviting homemade gift. They also work wonderfully dipped halfway in melted dark chocolate for a stunning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their softness holds well, but to maintain that perfect texture, avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked feel, warm cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This helps soften them up again and brings back that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven glow.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use vanilla extract alone or try a splash of orange blossom water for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Why do I need to drain the ricotta cheese?
Ricotta often contains excess moisture that can make the cookie dough too wet and prevent proper baking. Draining it ensures the cookies hold their shape but remain soft.
Can I use almond flour instead of sliced almonds?
While almond flour won’t provide the same crunchy garnish effect, you can mix a small amount into the dough for a subtle almond flavor throughout. However, don’t skip the sliced almonds on top for texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is best.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies Recipe — the way simple ingredients come together to create pure magic in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual tea, or just because, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and your moments with joy. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Print
Deliciously Soft Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are irresistibly soft and tender, with a delicate almond flavor perfectly complemented by a dusting of powdered sugar. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts, they offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience ideal for dessert or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Softened Unsalted Butter (Ensure it’s softened for easy blending)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness and aids in achieving fluffy texture)
- 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (Drain excess water if necessary)
- 2 large Large Eggs (Bind the ingredients together)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Substitute with vanilla extract for a different twist)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances overall flavor profile)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Provides necessary structure)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Helps cookies rise)
Toppings
- 0.5 cup Sliced Almonds (For garnish and flavor)
- 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is important to achieve a tender cookie texture.
- Add ricotta and eggs: Mix in the ricotta cheese until fully incorporated, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Incorporate extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. These flavorings give the cookies their signature delicious aroma and depth of flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Add sliced almonds: Gently press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie to add texture and a lovely almond flavor.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain the delicate texture.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to finish.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid soggy dough.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, increase almond extract to 1½ teaspoons but do not exceed as it can be overpowering.
- Cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place baked and cooled cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
- Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if you want a classic vanilla ricotta cookie.
- For a nut-free version, omit sliced almonds and decorate with extra powdered sugar or colored sprinkles.
