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Description
These soft and cake-like Italian Ricotta Cookies are a classic Christmas treat, perfect for holiday gatherings. They are easy to make and feature a delicate lemon glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze.
- Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack. If desired, immediately decorate with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Allow the glaze to set completely before storing.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake.
- You can substitute orange zest for lemon zest in the glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: italian christmas cookies, italian ricotta cookies, ricotta cookies, italian cookie recipes, easy cookie recipes, italian desserts, christmas cookie recipes, homemade italian cookies, holiday cookies