If you've never tried Italian ricotta cookies, you're in for a treat! These little bites of joy are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or want to jazz things up with lemon zest or chocolate chips, there's a ricotta cookie recipe just for you. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won't want to stop. So, which delicious version do you want to whip up first?
Classic Italian Ricotta Cookies
Classic Italian Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the rich flavors of Italian baking. These soft, cake-like cookies are made with ricotta cheese, which gives them a tender texture and a subtle flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be enjoyed plain or glazed with a sweet icing and decorated with colorful sprinkles.
They're easy to make and are sure to impress family and friends with their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing.
Extra Tips:
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a bit of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough.
The cookies are perfect without the glaze, but if you want to add a sweet finish, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and vanilla to create a simple glaze.
Decorate with colorful sprinkles for a festive appearance.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days, and enjoy their delightful texture and flavor!
Lemon Zest Ricotta Cookies
Lemon Zest Ricotta Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional Italian cookies, offering a light, fluffy texture and a revitalizing citrus flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat to accompany your afternoon tea.
The ricotta cheese adds moisture and richness, while the lemon zest brightens up the complete flavor profile, making these cookies a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, butter, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix until smooth and well blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for zesting, as they provide a bright and vibrant taste.
You can also experiment by adding a bit of lemon juice to the dough for an extra citrus kick. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled cookies.
To store your Lemon Zest Ricotta Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy your baking!
Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies
Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the sweetness of chocolate chips.
These cookies are soft, fluffy, and have a rich flavor that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and lemon zest if using. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best texture, make sure to use whole milk ricotta cheese, as it provides a creamier consistency.
If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, try using mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they're so delicious they may not last that long!
Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist.
Almond and Ricotta Cookies
Almond and Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the nutty flavor of almonds, resulting in a soft and flavorful cookie. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack.
The ricotta keeps the cookies moist, while the almond extract adds a lovely aromatic touch. With a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, these cookies not only taste great but also look beautiful on any dessert platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the sliced almonds.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added twist, consider incorporating some lemon zest into the dough for a revitalizing citrus flavor. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the dough.
Additionally, storing these cookies in an airtight container will help maintain their softness and flavor for several days. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly delightful experience!
Pumpkin Spice Ricotta Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Ricotta Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional Italian ricotta cookies, infused with the warm flavors of fall.
These soft and fluffy treats are perfect for any autumn gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The ricotta adds moisture and richness while the pumpkin puree and spices create a cozy, aromatic experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough.
If you prefer a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
To improve the presentation, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies.
Enjoy the delightful taste of fall with these Pumpkin Spice Ricotta Cookies!