Italian Ricotta Cookies: A Sweet Tradition of Flavor and Softness
Italian Ricotta Cookies, known for their incredibly soft and light texture, are a beloved dessert in Italian-American households. With a rich history that dates back to the Old Country, these cookies are cherished for their delicate crumb, subtle sweetness, and the signature almond glaze that crowns them. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple afternoon snack with coffee.
Ricotta cheese, the key ingredient, not only imparts a unique moisture and softness to the dough but also gives the cookies a slightly tangy flavor, which is balanced by the sweetness of the glaze and the pop of color from the sprinkles. The combination of these elements creates a harmony of flavors that make these cookies irresistible.
History of Italian Ricotta Cookies
The origins of Ricotta Cookies can be traced back to Italy, where ricotta cheese has long been a staple in both savory and sweet dishes. The Italian word “ricotta” means “re-cooked,” which refers to the cheese-making process of reheating whey to produce the soft cheese.
In Italy, ricotta is used in various desserts, particularly in Sicily, where the cheese is often incorporated into traditional pastries like cannoli or cassata. The ricotta cookie, however, has become more of a tradition among Italian-American communities, particularly around Christmas and Easter, when families bake together to celebrate the season. Over time, this delicious treat spread across the U.S., becoming a popular cookie during the holidays and for family gatherings.
Ricotta Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
- A few drops of lemon juice (optional)
- Colorful sprinkles (optional, but a fun addition)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until well combined.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese and lemon zest (if using). The ricotta will give the dough a slightly wet texture, but that’s completely normal.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft, but not too sticky.
2. Form the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten the tops of the cookies with your fingers or the back of a spoon, but they will also spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center.
3. Prepare the Almond Glaze:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the almond glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, almond extract, milk, and lemon juice (if using) in a bowl. The glaze should be smooth and thick but pourable. Add more milk if you want a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the tops of each cookie into the almond glaze, ensuring an even coat. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cookies if you prefer a more controlled application.
- While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive touch.
5. Let the Glaze Set:
- Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure the glaze hardens slightly and the sprinkles stick.
Methods with Lovers (Tips for Perfect Ricotta Cookies):
- Use Fresh Ricotta: The fresher the ricotta, the better the flavor and texture of your cookies. If you can find whole-milk ricotta, it will provide a richer taste and softer texture. If you’re using a store-bought brand, look for one with a creamy texture, avoiding watery ricotta, which can affect the dough’s consistency.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined to maintain the light and tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: While this recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, you can do so for about 30 minutes to firm it up slightly. This will make the dough easier to scoop and shape.
- Customize the Glaze: While almond extract is the classic choice for the glaze, feel free to experiment with other extracts like vanilla or lemon for different flavor profiles.
- Add a Dash of Orange Zest: For a more citrusy twist, try adding a little orange zest to the dough, which pairs beautifully with the ricotta cheese.
- Perfect the Texture: Ricotta cookies should be soft and cake-like, not crisp. Be mindful of the baking time to prevent over-baking, which can dry them out.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treat for All
Italian Ricotta Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a taste of tradition, love, and family. With their moist, tender crumb, sweet almond glaze, and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual family get-togethers. The blend of ricotta and almond is a nostalgic nod to Italian-American baking heritage, making each bite a delightful experience.
Whether you bake them for a special celebration or as a treat to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your family’s recipe book.
Would you like to dive deeper into variations of this recipe, or need tips for making these cookies your own?