Servings
Font
Back
0 from 255 votes

Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Italian Ricotta Cookies are a must-have in any Christmas cookie tray! They are tender and delicate cookies with a cake-like texture and amazing flavor.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Chilling Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 21 mins
Servings: 55
Calories: 128 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cookies
  • 3 ½ cups flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 ¾ cups (15 ounces) Ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
Glaze
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract **see notes
  • 3 tablespoons milk
Decoration
  • Sprinkles sparkling sugar, or nuts

Instructions

Cookies
    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. In a stand mixer bowl, beat the butter with sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in ricotta and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Add eggs one and a time, beating after each.
  5. Gradually add flour mixture and mix well.
  6. Cover dough with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Chilling dough for at least 2 hours will enhance the texture and keep the cookies from spreading.
  7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  8. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  9. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to form the dough into balls. Drop dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between the cookies.
  10. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are lightly brown on top and golden brown on the underside.
  11. Cool on wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
Glaze
  1. In a medium bowl, beat all ingredients until smooth. The icing will be thin but not overly runny.
  2. Dip the tops of the cookies into the bowl of icing or spread it on top with a spoon.
  3. Immediately add colored candy sprinkles, sparkling sugar, or nuts to decorate.

Notes

  • Using clear vanilla extract in the icing will help to keep the glaze bright white. 
  • Use almond extract in place of vanilla in the glaze if you prefer.
  • Decorate the cookies with sprinkles right after dipping since the icing hardens fast.
  • This recipe makes a large batch with dozens of cookies, so cut it in half if you prefer.
  • Using clear vanilla extract in the icing will help to keep the glaze bright white. 
  • Use almond extract in place of vanilla in the glaze if you prefer.
  • Decorate the cookies with sprinkles right after dipping since the icing hardens fast.
  • This recipe makes a large batch with dozens of cookies, so cut it in half if you prefer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 128kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 10mg (3%) Sodium 101mg (4%) Potassium 41mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 229IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 29mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 55Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 128

% Daily Value*

Calories 128kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 101mg 4%
Potassium 41mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 229IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 29mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.