Classic Christmas Cookies - Ricotta Cookies
User Reviews
4.7
Classic Christmas Cookies - Ricotta Cookies
Description
This recipe for Classic Christmas Ricotta Cookies features a dough mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt, combined with a butter and sugar mixture brightened by lemon zest. Incorporating fresh ricotta cheese and vanilla extract adds moisture and a creamy character to the dough, which is chilled to firm up before baking. The cookies bake until golden brown at the edges, yielding a soft and lightly textured center.
The glaze consists of melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla (or almond) extract, and milk or cream, creating a smooth, sweet topping. Once the cookies are completely cool, the glaze is applied and festively decorated with red and green nonpareils or sprinkles, adding color and a slight crunch. This interplay of moist interior and sweet glazed surface provides a pleasing contrast.
These ricotta cookies suit holiday gatherings or gifting, bringing a less common cookie texture that delights with its gentle lemon flavor and creamy undertones. The glaze can be customized with different extracts for flavor variation.
Using clear vanilla extract in the glaze helps maintain the bright white appearance of the icing, enhancing the cookies' festive look.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 2 sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ¾ cups ricotta cheese fresh, 15 oz
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg room temperature, large
Glaze
- ¼ cup unsalted butter half stick, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract, clear
- 3 tablespoons milk more if needed to desired consistency, or heavy whipping cream
Decoration
- nonpareils red and green
- Sprinkles red and green
Instructions
Cookies
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
- In bowl of stand mixer or large bowl, beat butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Mix in ricotta and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add eggs one and a time, beating after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop the dough using a small cookie dough scoop. Or shape into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool on wire rack. Don't glaze them until they are completely cool.
Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
- Spread on cookies or dip the tops into the bowl of glaze.
- Add the sprinkles or other decorations right away before the glaze hardens.
Notes
- Chilling the cookie dough for at least two hours helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Using clear vanilla extract in the glaze keeps it bright white, perfect for festive decoration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 55Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 129 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 129kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 62mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 41mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 185IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.05mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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