Ricotta Cookies Recipe: Ricotta cookies are soft, cake-like treats that melt in your mouth and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and moisture.
If you’ve never tried baking with ricotta cheese, prepare to be amazed! These cookies have a subtle richness, a delicate texture, and an irresistible flavor that makes them stand out from traditional cookies.
Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a birthday, or just because you need a pick-me-up, ricotta cookies never disappoint.
Why Ricotta Cookies Are So Loved
What’s not to love about a cookie that’s fluffy, moist, and full of flavor? Unlike traditional crunchy cookies, ricotta cookies offer a soft, almost sponge-like bite. Thanks to the ricotta cheese, they retain moisture without being too dense or chewy. They’re versatile too—you can keep them plain, add lemon zest for a bright citrusy twist, or glaze them with vanilla icing for a little extra sweetness. These cookies are perfect for tea time, gifting, or enjoying with your favorite hot beverage.
What Makes Ricotta Cookies Unique?
Here’s the secret: ricotta cheese adds an unexpected richness to baked goods. While it might seem unusual to put cheese in cookies, ricotta is incredibly mild and blends smoothly with sugar and flour. It works like sour cream or yogurt in cakes, providing moisture and softness. Combined with butter and sugar, it creates a dough that’s pillowy and light, resulting in cookies that are more like mini cakes than crunchy treats. The flavor is subtle, sweet, and slightly tangy—a true delicacy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! These simple pantry staples, when brought together, create magic.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for a citrus twist)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (for a nutty note)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Tips Before You Start Baking
- Use full-fat ricotta – It gives the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – This keeps the cookies soft and fluffy.
- Room temperature ingredients – Butter, egg, and ricotta should be at room temperature to mix well.
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Chill the dough if it’s too soft – This helps maintain cookie shape.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ricotta Cookies
Let’s get into the real magic. Follow these steps carefully for perfect cookies every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Preheating ensures even baking right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
Next, add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup ricotta cheese. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy base is where the moist texture of your cookies begins.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures your cookies rise properly and maintain a balanced flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or the mixer on low speed to combine everything until you have a smooth dough. The batter will be thick but slightly sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want!
If you’re adding lemon zest or almond extract, now’s the time to fold it in gently.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough Onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Don’t flatten the dough—they’ll naturally spread into beautiful domes while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. Avoid overbaking—they should stay soft!
Step 7: Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key before glazing or decorating!
How to Make the Optional Glaze
Want to take your cookies to the next level? This glaze is simple yet adds a lovely touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon.
- Allow to set for about 20 minutes before serving.
Decorating Your Ricotta Cookies
This is the fun part! After glazing, sprinkle with festive sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible pearls. You can even tint the glaze with a drop of food coloring to match any holiday theme.
Storing and Freezing Tips
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: If glazed, consider refrigerating to avoid sticky surfaces.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost and glaze later for freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-fat ricotta – It can lead to a grainy texture.
- Overbaking – Makes the cookies dry instead of tender.
- Not measuring correctly – Always level your flour and sugar!
- Skipping the glaze – It adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
Ricotta Cookie Flavor Variations
You don’t have to stick with the classic version. Try these flavor twists:
- Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies – Fold in mini chips before baking.
- Orange Ricotta Cookies – Add orange zest and glaze with orange juice.
- Spiced Ricotta Cookies – Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough.
- Coconut Ricotta Cookies – Add shredded coconut and top with coconut glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve ricotta cookies with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Holiday tea blends
- Fresh fruit
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- A warm cup of milk before bed
They’re great for brunch platters, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings.
FAQs about Ricotta Cookies Recipe
1. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can, but full-fat ricotta is recommended. It gives the cookies a richer flavor and softer, more tender texture. Low-fat versions may result in slightly drier cookies.
2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
4. How long do ricotta cookies last?
Ricotta cookies stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate them to extend freshness.
5. Do I have to glaze them?
Not at all. The cookies are delicious on their own, but adding a glaze gives them an extra touch of sweetness and a classic finish.
Conclusion
Ricotta cookies are a hidden gem in the baking world—soft, cake-like, and bursting with subtle flavor. Whether you like them plain or glazed, lemony or chocolatey, one thing’s for sure: they’re bound to be a hit. This step-by-step guide should make baking them a breeze, even for beginners.
So next time you’ve got a tub of ricotta and a craving for something sweet, you know what to do!
