If you love tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats that combine a subtle tang with just the right amount of sweetness, then you are going to adore this Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe. These cookies are incredibly soft and moist thanks to the ricotta cheese, and the hint of lemon zest brings a fresh brightness that lifts each bite. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or want to impress guests with a unique cookie that’s both classic and a little unexpected, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection. Let’s dive into the magic of these irresistible Italian ricotta cookies and discover how simple ingredients come together to make something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in these Italian ricotta cookies starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s giving the cookie structure, moisture, or flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create that soft, tender crumb and luscious glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of any great cookie, it provides structure while letting the ricotta keep things soft.
- Baking powder: Adds gentle lift to keep your cookies light and tender.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve the ideal texture and subtle browning.
- Unsalted butter: Softens the dough and brings rich flavor without overpowering the delicate ricotta.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while helping create that lovely light crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft bite.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient, providing incredible creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Lemon zest: Infuses freshness and brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Milk (for glazing): Helps create a smooth, luscious glaze that sets perfectly.
- Lemon juice (for glazing): Adds zing and helps the glaze harden slightly.
- Powdered sugar (for glazing): Makes a sweet coating that complements the cookie’s tender crumb.
How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and prevent sticking. This little step saves you cleanup hassle later and keeps your cookies intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisking them now helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, so your cookies rise uniformly and have a tender texture without any unwanted clumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies develop their signature soft and airy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Ricotta
Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to fully combine. Stir in the vanilla extract for its aromatic warmth, followed by the ricotta cheese. The ricotta not only adds moistness but also gives the cookie its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here because that can make your cookies tough instead of soft. At this point, your dough should come together nicely but still look a bit cloud-like thanks to the ricotta.
Step 6: Add Lemon Zest
Fold in the zest of one lemon evenly throughout the dough. This step is what takes these cookies to the next level by adding a fresh, zesty aroma that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and sweet base.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough about two inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. The spacing helps each cookie spread and bake evenly without merging into each other, ensuring nice round, soft cookies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This timing is key to keeping the soft, pillowy texture that sets these Italian ricotta cookies apart from ordinary cookies.
Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheets
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The slight cooling on the warm pan lets the cookies settle perfectly before the glaze goes on.
Step 10: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl to make the glaze. Once your cookies are fully cooled, drizzle this bright, shiny glaze over the tops. It adds just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely finish that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a little extra grated lemon zest or finely chopped pistachios on the glaze right after drizzling. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and texture that make your cookies even more inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Italian ricotta cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso or tea, perfect for afternoon indulgence or a light dessert after dinner. They also complement fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to elevate them into more of a treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these soft cookies on a pretty plate and drizzle with extra glaze for a stunning display. You can also sandwich a bit of lemon curd or frosting between two cookies for a fun twist that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked and glazed Italian ricotta cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they remain soft and fresh without getting dry or stale, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve their luscious texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookie gummy. The gentle oven heat refreshes the soft texture and makes the glaze slightly melty and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta is unique because of its light, creamy texture that keeps these cookies soft and tender. Substituting it with something denser like cream cheese will change the texture significantly, making the cookie heavier. For best results, stick to ricotta.
What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I skip it?
You can leave out the lemon zest, but it adds a fresh zing that balances the sweetness perfectly. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a teaspoon of lemon extract could be a good substitute to maintain that bright flavor.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Making this Italian ricotta cookies recipe dairy-free is a bit tricky since ricotta and butter are key to the texture. You might try a dairy-free ricotta alternative and plant-based butter, but note the texture and flavor may not be exactly the same.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted since that can cause excessive spreading.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can add delightful crunch, and mini chocolate chips bring a rich complement to the lemon and ricotta flavors. Just fold them into the dough gently before baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely comforting about a fresh-baked batch of Italian ricotta cookies, and I hope this Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe inspires you to make them soon. Their tender crumb, subtle citrus lift, and sweet glaze make for a cookie experience you’ll want to share time and again. So grab your mixing bowl, invite a friend, and enjoy the simple joy of these truly special cookies.
