Description
Sweet memories of childhood blend perfectly with classic Italian ricotta cookies, bringing homemade comfort straight from nonna’s kitchen. Delicate, pillowy treats offer a delightful blend of creamy ricotta and gentle sugar glaze that welcomes you into a world of pure culinary nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 container (15 ounces / 425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 sticks (1/2 pound / 227 grams) butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal baking temperature for delicate cookies.
- Create a creamy foundation by thoroughly blending softened butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Introduce ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, whisking vigorously to integrate all components seamlessly.
- In a separate vessel, sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the ricotta blend, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape the dough into petite, uniform spheres approximately the size of a teaspoon, positioning them methodically on an ungreased baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
- Transfer the cookie sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the delicate morsels to bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges acquire a delicate golden hue.
- Remove from the oven and permit cookies to rest on the baking sheet for three minutes, facilitating initial cooling and structural stabilization.
- Carefully transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, enabling complete temperature reduction and preventing potential sogginess.
- Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
- Immerse the cooled cookie tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip away, then embellish immediately with a sprinkle of colorful decorations.
- Repeat the glazing process for remaining cookies, ensuring each receives an elegant, uniform coating.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
- Use full-fat ricotta cheese to ensure rich, tender cookies with optimal moisture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Customize sprinkle colors for seasonal celebrations or special occasions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months, thaw and glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg