Italian Ricotta Cookies

Italian Ricotta Cookies are delightful soft cookies made with ricotta cheese, typically flavored with vanilla and topped with a sweet glaze. Here’s a basic recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
4. Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Mix in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to turn golden around the edges.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag.
12. Let the glaze set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Ricotta Cookies! They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea. Buon appetito!