Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies that are light and fluffy with a subtle richness from the ricotta cheese. They are delicately flavored with citrus zest and vanilla, giving them a refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with their pillowy texture. Topped with a simple glaze or powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea.
I first made Ricotta Cookies when I was looking for something that felt a bit more decadent than your average cookie but still light enough to be a treat you could enjoy without feeling too indulgent. The ricotta gives the cookies a tender, almost muffin-like crumb, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. I loved how easy they were to make and how they stayed soft and fresh for days.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can change the flavor by adding different citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, or even add a little almond extract for a twist. They can also be decorated with sprinkles or a simple icing drizzle for a festive touch. Ricotta Cookies are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings comfort and sweetness with every bite!
Perfect for:
- Holiday baking
- Family gatherings
- Afternoon tea
- Cookie exchanges
- Lovers of soft, cake-like cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Ricotta Cookies will quickly become your go-to cookie recipe:
- Soft and Chewy: The ricotta cheese ensures these cookies are soft, pillowy, and melt in your mouth.
- Light Lemon Glaze: The zesty lemon glaze provides the perfect balance to the richness of the cookies.
- Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
- No Chilling Required: You can bake these cookies immediately after mixing, no chilling time necessary.
- Perfect for Gift-Giving: Packaged beautifully, these cookies make wonderful homemade gifts.
- Versatile Flavor: You can customize the glaze with different extracts or toppings, such as sprinkles.
- Made with Ricotta Cheese: The addition of ricotta gives these cookies a unique, delicious flavor and a tender crumb.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a casual get-together, these cookies are always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Family-Friendly Recipe: Kids will love rolling and decorating these cookies.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 130-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 5g
Ingredients
For the Ricotta Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
Optional Garnish:
- Colorful sprinkles
- Extra lemon zest
Ingredient Highlights
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies.
- Lemon Zest: Provides a burst of citrus flavor, brightening the cookies.
- Butter: Ensures the cookies are rich and buttery.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and depth of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Ricotta Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Incorporate Ricotta Cheese: Mix in the ricotta cheese until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk until smooth and glossy. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a small piping bag.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or more lemon zest for an extra touch. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Ricotta Cookies:
- As a Holiday Treat: Serve these cookies at Christmas or Easter for a festive touch.
- With a Cup of Tea: These cookies are perfect for pairing with your favorite tea or coffee.
- For Cookie Exchanges: Bring a batch to your next cookie swap—they’ll be a hit.
- As a Sweet Snack: Pack a few in lunchboxes or enjoy them as a sweet afternoon snack.
- For Special Occasions: Serve them at birthday parties, family gatherings, or showers.
- As a Homemade Gift: Present these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- For a Light Dessert: Serve with fresh berries for a light and fruity dessert.
- For Afternoon Tea: These soft cookies are perfect for a fancy tea-time treat.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of lemon or vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a refreshing dessert combo.
- With Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for the perfect pairing.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be sure to mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Glaze While Cool, Not Warm: Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny glaze.
- Customize with Add-ins: Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for a fun variation.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar, or more milk for a thinner one.
Recipe Variations
- Orange Ricotta Cookies: Replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tangy glaze.
- Almond Ricotta Cookies: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a unique flavor.
- Gluten-Free Ricotta Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Coconut Ricotta Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical variation.
- Frosted Ricotta Cookies: For an extra indulgence, top the cookies with a layer of buttercream frosting instead of the glaze.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For even baking of the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.
- Small Bowl and Whisk: To mix the glaze ingredients.
- Piping Bag (Optional): For more precise glazing.
FAQ Section
- Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, part-skim ricotta can be used, but full-fat ricotta will yield slightly richer cookies. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. - Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze. - How long do these cookies stay fresh?
The cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. - Can I use other cheeses?
Ricotta works best for these cookies, but mascarpone could be used for a slightly richer flavor. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in batches or on multiple sheets. - Can I add fruit to the dough?
Yes, small pieces of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries would work well in the dough. - How do I get the cookies to be more uniform in size?
Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized dough portions for uniform cookies. - Can I use a different glaze flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like orange or lime for a fun twist. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
Ricotta Cookies are soft, pillowy treats with a delicate texture and a hint of sweetness. Infused with the richness of ricotta cheese, these cookies have a light and moist crumb that melts in your mouth. Often topped with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, they are the perfect balance of light and indulgent. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
The magic of this recipe is in the ricotta cheese, which keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and adds a subtle creaminess to the flavor. You can top them with a simple lemon glaze, colorful sprinkles, or leave them plain for a more classic finish. Either way, these cookies are always a hit.
I’d love to see your Ricotta Cookies creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delightful treats. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what made your ricotta cookies uniquely yours!