If there’s one cookie that truly captures the heart of Italian baking, it’s the Italian Ricotta Cookies — soft, tender, and delicately sweet. These melt-in-your-mouth gems are a staple during the holidays but loved all year round for their light texture and simple elegance. Italian Ricotta Cookies are everything you want in a homemade treat: easy to make, comforting, and beautifully nostalgic.
Before we dive into the recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a new recipe! You’ll get my latest cookie creations, baking tips, and seasonal treats delivered straight to your inbox.
Overview of the Recipe
Italian Ricotta Cookies are a traditional Italian dessert that combines creamy ricotta cheese with a buttery dough, creating irresistibly soft cookies that are often topped with a sweet vanilla or lemon glaze. These cookies are subtly sweet rather than sugary, making them perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Incredibly soft and fluffy thanks to the ricotta cheese.
- Simple ingredients, no fancy equipment needed.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness—the glaze adds just enough sugar without overwhelming the cookie.
- Customizable flavors—try lemon, almond, or even orange zest for variety.
- Great for holidays or everyday baking!
What Do Italian Ricotta Cookies Taste Like?
Think of a cross between a cake and a cookie. They’re pillowy soft, tender, and moist with a subtle hint of vanilla and a delicate sweetness from the glaze. When you take a bite, it feels like you’re enjoying a little piece of Italy—comforting and elegant all at once!
Benefits of Baking Ricotta Cookies
- Foolproof for beginners—the dough comes together easily.
- Stay fresh longer due to the moisture from the ricotta.
- Perfect for gifting—they look beautiful on dessert trays.
- Light texture makes them ideal after-dinner treats.
Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, full-fat preferred
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a citrus twist)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles or finely grated lemon zest for decoration
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Ricotta: Use whole-milk ricotta for the best texture. If you only have part-skim, drain it slightly to remove excess moisture.
- Flavoring: Replace vanilla with almond or anise extract for a more traditional Italian flair.
- Citrus: Lemon or orange zest adds a bright touch.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Toppings: Swap sprinkles for chopped pistachios, toasted coconut, or crushed candied cherries.
How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step helps create that signature soft texture!
Step 4: Add Ricotta, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the egg until smooth, then add ricotta cheese and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The batter will look creamy and slightly thick.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and set them back on the rack. Decorate immediately with sprinkles or zest before the glaze sets.
What to Serve with Italian Ricotta Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A hot espresso or cappuccino
- A glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo
- A platter of biscotti or pizzelles for a full Italian dessert spread
Tips for Perfect Italian Ricotta Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest cookies.
- Don’t overbake—they should remain pale on top for that tender texture.
- Let them cool completely before glazing, or the glaze will melt off.
- Add extra glaze flavoring—a touch of lemon juice in the glaze gives a tangy contrast!
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw, then glaze before serving for best results.
General Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling & Glazing: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies keep their softness for several days, so they’re perfect to make a day before serving.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough?
No, but if your kitchen is warm, chilling it for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
Why did my cookies come out dense?
Overmixing the dough can cause heaviness. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Can I use flavored ricotta?
Stick to plain ricotta—flavored varieties may alter the taste and moisture balance.
Conclusion
These Italian Ricotta Cookies are truly a joy to bake and share. From their delicate crumb to their subtly sweet glaze, they bring a touch of Italian tradition to any celebration—or just your afternoon coffee break. Simple, soft, and oh-so-satisfying, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.