Italian Ricotta Cookies
Ingredients
- Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
softened to room temperature, 2 sticks
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 15 ounces full-fat Ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
or fresh
- 4 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Glaze
- 1/4 cup butter
melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- 1
Cookies:
- 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 3
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar medium speed.
- 4
Add eggs and beat those in, as well.
- 5
Add Ricotta cheese and mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and orange zest and blend.
- 6
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- 7
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients (one cup at a time) on low speed until a dough is formed.
- 8
Drop the dough by heaping tablespoons onto an ungreased baking sheet (they will puff up while baking). Bake for 10-12 minutes (this will depend on size of cookies and your oven so keep an eye on them). Cookies will just be started to get lightly golden around the bottom edges. You want them to remain soft and not get too over-baked.
- 9
Remove from baking sheet and place on a cooling rack to cool completely before putting on the glaze.
- 10
Spoon glaze onto cookies, add sprinkles of your choosing before glaze dries, and allow it to fully set before storing.
- 11
Glaze:
- 12
Mix together melted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and no lumps remain. Add additional splashes of milk or cream to get the desired consistency. You don't want it to be so thick that it's not spreadable, but also not too runny.
Italian Ricotta Cookies
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About this Recipe
Craving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that transports you straight to an Italian bakery? These Italian Ricotta Cookies are wonderfully soft, rich, and utterly irresistible, perfect for any occasion.
This recipe works beautifully because of the star ingredient: full-fat Ricotta cheese. The ricotta imparts an incredible moisture and delicate texture, resulting in cookies that are exceptionally soft and never dry. The generous amount of butter ensures a rich flavor, while the bright orange zest adds a beautiful, fragrant lift that perfectly complements the sweetness.
When you bite into these Italian Ricotta Cookies, expect a supremely soft, cake-like texture that practically dissolves in your mouth. They offer a balanced sweetness with a delightful hint of vanilla and a vibrant, fresh citrus note from the orange zest. Each cookie is then crowned with a simple yet elegant glaze that adds another layer of creamy sweetness, creating a truly comforting and satisfying treat.
Customization & Variations
These cookies are lovely as is, but you can easily adapt them. For a different citrus twist, swap the orange zest for lemon zest. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider using almond extract in place of vanilla, or in addition to it. The simple glaze can also be customized by adding a tiny drop of food coloring for festive occasions or a sprinkle of nonpareils for extra cheer.
These classic Italian Ricotta Cookies are ideal for holiday platters, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat with your afternoon coffee or tea. Their comforting charm makes them a beloved addition to any dessert spread.