How to Make Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies
If you're looking for a delightful treat, Italian lemon ricotta cookies are a perfect choice. These cookies are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to make your own batch of these delicious cookies at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for icing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Icing
While the cookies are baking, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Cool and Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestion
These Italian lemon ricotta cookies are perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a wonderful gift for friends and family, beautifully packaged in a decorative box.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies without icing. Simply thaw them and add the icing before serving.
Final Thoughts
Italian lemon ricotta cookies are a deliciously unique treat that combines the creamy texture of ricotta with the bright flavor of lemon. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your household.