Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies
If you’re anything like me—an absolute fan of baking and a strong believer that the kitchen is one of the happiest places on Earth—then get ready for a treat! Today, I’m excited to share my delightful recipe for Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies. These cookies aren’t just any ordinary cookies; they are soft, fluffy, and loaded with moist goodness, thanks to the ricotta cheese. Trust me, once you taste them, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.
I have vivid memories of crafting these with my nonna in her cozy kitchen during family gatherings. Every time we whipped up a batch, the aroma alone made my heart dance with excitement. The best part? I always got to be the official sprinkle-sprinkler, and let’s be honest, it’s the best job ever! So, whether you’re baking for a gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat at home, these Italian Ricotta Cookies will steal the show. Let’s get this baking party started!
What’s in Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies?
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: This is the star of the show! It gives the cookies their signature moist and fluffy texture. I love using whole-milk ricotta for a richer flavor!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Because what’s a cookie without a touch of sweetness? This will sweeten the dough just perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter makes everything better! It contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these cookies.
- 2 large eggs: These are the binders that hold our delicious mixture together. Plus, they add a lovely richness!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla is your flavor hero. It complements the ricotta and adds a lovely aroma.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: This brightens up the flavor and gives a zesty kick. A perfect touch that brings everything together.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies! Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measurements.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This will help our cookies rise and get that lovely airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: A little lift, just in case we need it!
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch of salt brings out all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweet icing goodness that will make these cookies even more irresistible.
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for icing): To get that perfect drizzling consistency for our icing.
- Colorful sprinkles for garnish: Because who doesn’t love a little color? They make these cookies extra festive!
Is Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies Good for You?
Oh, the age-old question—all things sweet must be scrutinized! Let’s break it down a bit.
Ricotta cheese is packed with protein and calcium, making these cookies a comfort food that gives you a slight nutritional boost. However, take note: they also have sugar and butter, so moderation is key. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
That being said, remember that these delicious treats are meant to be enjoyed, so don’t beat yourself up over indulging every now and then. Bake a batch, share the joy with friends and family, and revel in the smiles that these cookies bring!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for icing)
- Colorful sprinkles for garnish
How to Make Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Get that kitchen ready for some deliciousness!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Just picture that creamy goodness!
3. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined. The batter should look and smell heavenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution!
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix or you’ll end up with dense cookies—nobody wants that!
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for their lovely expansion.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The smell wafting through your home will be utterly delightful!
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack (if you can wait that long!).
9. While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzling consistency is reached. Taste it. I dare you not to lick the bowl.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops and immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the icing sets. Just look at them shine!
11. Allow the icing to dry slightly before indulging.
Sprinkles on Top!
– These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. (If they last that long, that is!)
– Feeling adventurous? Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking for an extra flavor boost.
– Share the joy—these cookies make wonderful gifts. Just box them up with a cute ribbon and watch the smiles unfold!
I really hope you give these Homemade Italian Ricotta Cookies a try. They’re a slice of my childhood wrapped in sweet, creamy cookie perfection. When you do, definitely let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!
