Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the charming kitchens of Italy with these heavenly Ricotta Cookies that are about to become your new holiday obsession! Imagine a cookie so delicate, so melt-in-your-mouth tender, that it captures the essence of Christmas in every single bite. These aren't just cookies - they're a festive experience that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe. Soft, pillowy, and dressed in a sweet glaze that sparkles like fresh snow, these Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence that will make your kitchen smell like pure joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ricotta cheese and sugar until smooth and well combined, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add eggs one at a time to the ricotta mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the icing, sift powdered sugar into a bowl and gradually add small amounts of milk or water, stirring until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of each cookie. Optional: Add festive sprinkles before icing sets.
- Allow icing to fully set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing cookies in an airtight container.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your ricotta cheese, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies light and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough.
- Watch the Baking Time: These cookies should be just lightly golden on the edges. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly soft in the center.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cookies cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting or becoming runny.
- Get Creative with Decorations: While classic white icing is traditional, you can add festive sprinkles or use food coloring to make the cookies more colorful and fun.
- Storage Tip: Store these cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
