Italian Ricotta Cookies

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Italian Ricotta Cookies

Introduction

Italian Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love! These cookies are soft, light, and have a wonderful flavor thanks to the ricotta cheese and a hint of lemon. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a little taste of Italy right into your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

You should definitely make these cookies because they are easy and quick to prepare. Plus, the rich ricotta makes them so soft and delicious. They are great for family gatherings, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
16 ounces ricotta cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 cup milk
0.5 teaspoon butter
0.5 teaspoon shortening
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon lemon extract
0.5 cup colored candy sprinkles

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease your cookie sheets to prepare for baking.

  2. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract.

  3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix into the ricotta mixture and stir until combined.

  4. Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  6. To make the frosting, warm the milk, half a teaspoon of butter, and shortening in a small saucepan. Stir occasionally until melted, then remove from heat. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and lemon extract.

  7. Dip each cooled cookie into the icing and then dip them in the colored candy sprinkles for a fun finish!

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh and can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!

How to Store Italian Ricotta Cookies

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Tips to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies

  • Make sure to use room temperature butter for the best texture.
  • Don’t overmix the dough; just mix until combined to keep the cookies soft.
  • If you want a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add a little more lemon extract to the frosting.

Variation

Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for a different twist. You can also switch up the sprinkles for seasonal themes!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta, but the cookies may be slightly less rich.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

3. How do I get the cookies all the same size?
Using a cookie scoop can help you measure the dough evenly, so your cookies bake uniformly.