Greetings, foodie friends! Anne Carter is back on Beyond The Bayou Blog, bringing you another mouthwatering delight. Brace yourselves for a delectable journey as we dive into the realm of Italian Ricotta Cookies!
These soft, pillowy treats are a beloved staple in Italian households, cherished for their tender texture and subtle sweetness. With a heritage steeped in tradition, these cookies offer a taste of Italy in every bite. Made with creamy ricotta cheese, they boast a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from your typical cookie fare.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a decadent dessert, Italian Ricotta Cookies are sure to transport you to the charming streets of Italy with each heavenly bite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Overview: How To Make Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Looking for a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to whip up? Try these delightful Ricotta Cookies! In just 20 minutes, you can have 60 delicious cookies ready to enjoy. They’re perfect for dessert or any time you’re craving a tasty snack.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, gather your ingredients. You’ll need basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, eggs, and all-purpose flour, along with ricotta cheese and vanilla extract for that extra touch of flavor.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Then, add in the eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Now comes the fun part – shaping the dough into cookies! Roll or scoop teaspoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a cookie sheet. Pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re lightly browned. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, whip up a simple glaze by whisking together milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then set them upright on the wire rack. Sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch. And there you have it – delicious, homemade Ricotta Cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Try More Cookies Recipe!
Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups
- Hand Mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
- Wire cooling racks
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 container ricotta cheese 15 oz.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the glaze
- 4 – 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter, sugar, eggs, ricotta, and vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and soda; add to mixture.
- Roll dough into balls; place on baking sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Glaze: Mix milk, powdered sugar, almond extract. Dip cookies, sprinkle, cool.
Nutrition
Tips that Will Work!
- Flour Power: Getting the flour measurement just right is crucial for perfect cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Packing it in too tightly can lead to dense cookies, and too much flour can make them dry.
- Fresh is Best: Keep an eye on the expiration dates of your baking soda and baking powder. If they’re past their prime, your cookies might not rise properly. The fizz test is a handy way to check their potency—watch those bubbles!
- Butter Matters: Room-temperature butter is key for a creamy, well-mixed dough. Give it a gentle poke; it should yield slightly without being too squishy. Cold butter won’t mix evenly, and melted butter can lead to flat, greasy cookies.
- Pan Perfection: Invest in quality baking pans to ensure even baking and golden edges. Look for sturdy, rimmed sheets that distribute heat evenly. A well-prepped pan can make all the difference between cookies that stick and ones that slide right off.
Variations You Will Love Trying!
- Zesty Twist: Incorporate some lemon zest (or other citrus zest like orange or lime) into the cookie dough or icing. Blend it with the vanilla extract for a refreshing flavor, or boost the citrus punch by adding a touch of lemon extract. For an extra lemony kick, swap out the milk in the icing for lemon juice.
- Tropical Paradise: Transform these cookies into a tropical delight by adding coconut extract to the dough. Skip the sprinkles and opt for flaked coconut instead. Consider adding toasted coconut on top for an extra crunch and burst of coconut flavor.
What to Serve with Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Guide to Store Leftovers!
- These cookies are super easy to store, which is awesome for when you’re baking up a storm for the holidays or any occasion.
- Pop them into an airtight container or a zip-top bag after they’ve cooled down.
- Leave them at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days, which is perfect for snacking or sharing.
- If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze them!
- Just toss them into an airtight container and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 30 days.
- When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw out at room temperature. Easy peasy!