Italian Ricotta Cookies

These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze and look beautiful on a cookie platter. Perfect for special occasions from Christmas and Easter to baby showers. Simply change the color of the sprinkles!

Credit for this absolutely delightful cookie recipe goes to my friend, Kalyn, who bakes these gems every holiday season with her mom. 

Kalyn says she often makes a double batch to share with coworkers (they disappear quickly) and that the cookies are always a crowd favorite at parties (and garner regular recipe requests!).

Knowing I appreciate a tried-and-true recipe that has passed the test of countless discriminating palates, Kalyn kindly shared the recipe with me.

After my mom and aunt joined me for a baking day of our own soon after, it became apparent that these cookies would be added to the ranks of top rated cookies in our family, too.

Why ricotta in a cookie, you may wonder?

Ricotta is a smooth cheese that’s creamy yet thick. It has a mild taste and a low salt content that makes it well suited for use in sweet or savory dishes alike. Rather than tasting cheesy, the ricotta enhances the texture and balances the sweetness in these cookies.   

The ricotta also helps retain the moisture in these cookies. You may even notice that the cookies are even better and moister the second day.

I like to add a small amount of lemon juice to the simple glaze; it adds a subtle bright note and balances the sweetness of the confectioner’s sugar. To play up the lemon flavor, you may add the zest of half a lemon to the batter.

You could also experiment with a small amount of almond or orange extract in the glaze. To avoid overwhelming a recipe when using these extracts, I start with an amount equal to half of the amount of vanilla called for. You can always add more, but once it’s in there…

Fresh from the oven, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with ricotta for moisture and flavor. Soft and pillowy, they’re almost like mini cakes.

A light glaze is the crowning touch, making these tender bites pretty…and pretty irresistible! You may brush the easy glaze over the cookies or dip them.

The cookies taste wonderful just like this. For a colorful touch and a hint of texture, sprinkles are an option and will tie into various holidays and special occasions like baby showers. When using, add soon after dipping. Once the glaze dries, they won’t stick. 

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Yield: about 2½ dozen (recipe doubles easily)

These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze and look beautiful on a cookie platter. For a hint of brightness, you may add the zest of half a lemon to the batter. And feel free to double the batch as they may be a surprise hit! 

Print

For the Cookies

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 cup (192g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups (254g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Icing

• 1 cup (120g) confectioner’s sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (could use up to ½ tablespoon of lemon juice)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: Sprinkles (I use the crystal kind)

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Half at a time, blend into the butter mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or up to 5 days.
3. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough out, a rounded tablespoon at a time, and shape into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cookies should look golden brown on bottom but pale on top. Cool on wire racks.
5. Once the cookies are cool, combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a thick glaze. Start with the lesser amount of milk and add to make a thin but spreadable icing. Spread over the cookies. Alternatively, you can make the glaze a touch runnier and dip the top of the cookies into it, allowing the excess to drip off. Top with sprinkles, if desired, while the glaze is still wet. (Tip: This step can be messy, so you may wish to put foil or parchment paper underneath.)

Notes

Cookies may seem a touch dry the first day but are perfectly moist the next day.

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. The cookies may be frozen for longer storage.

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For more cookie inspiration, you may enjoy my collection of Best Holiday Cookies, which includes Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar (about to go in the oven, above), Emily’s Grandmother’s Rugelach, and a baker’s dozen of other tried-and-true cookie recipes.