Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies
A Family Tradition That Melts in Your Mouth
Every December, Nonna’s kitchen transformed into a festive snow globe, dusted with flour, sugar, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked treats. The holiday season wasn’t complete without these soft, pillowy Ricotta cookies. This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, became a beloved tradition in our family, one that we eagerly awaited all year long. They’re more than just a cookie; they’re a piece of history, a symbol of love, and a reminder of family. Nonna’s delicate touch with these Italian Ricotta Cookies made them not only soft but utterly delicious, with a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. And, of course, no Christmas gathering was ever complete without the sprinkles—each bite a sprinkle of holiday magic.
Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for the creamiest texture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds a nice fresh pop!)
- 2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency if needed)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Sprinkles (rainbow, silver, or your choice for festive decoration)
Method:
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This step is key to getting the right texture for your cookies!
3. Add Ricotta and Eggs
To the butter-sugar mixture, add in the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The ricotta gives the cookies that signature softness, so don’t rush this step!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be soft, sticky, and a bit wet, not too firm.
5. Add Lemon Zest (Optional)
If you want a little zest to brighten up the cookies, fold in the lemon zest. It adds a lovely freshness to the overall flavor.
6. Shape the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. These cookies won’t spread much, so you don’t need to worry about them running into each other.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They should still be soft to the touch but set in the center.
8. Glaze and Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little bit of milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but spreadable. Drizzle it over each cookie, then immediately add your favorite sprinkles or colored sugars to give them that festive touch.
The History Behind the Cookies:
These Ricotta cookies, known as Cucidati in some regions of Italy, have deep roots in Southern Italy, especially in Sicilian and Neapolitan traditions. Originally, these cookies were often filled with jam or sweet ricotta cream and shaped like half-moons or delicate circles. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the filling became the focal point of many holiday recipes. However, as Nonna always reminded us, Ricotta cookies made with simple ingredients—like fresh ricotta cheese, sugar, and butter—are the heart of the Christmas table in Italian-American households.
Much like the tradition of making pasta and bread, baking these cookies in Nonna’s kitchen was a social event. The whole family gathered around the kitchen, rolling dough, drizzling glaze, and sharing stories of Christmases past. The recipe passed down through generations was as much about family bonding as it was about baking, each cookie representing a piece of love and tradition.
Formation of the Recipe:
In Italy, the concept of baking with Ricotta cheese is centuries old. Ricotta, meaning “recooked,” was originally a way to use up leftover whey from cheese-making. It’s a soft, mild cheese that became a staple ingredient in many desserts, providing moisture and tenderness without the need for too much fat. In southern Italy, Ricotta was often mixed with sugar to create creamy fillings for pastries, and this idea evolved into the cookie form over time.
When Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the U.S., they adapted recipes using the ingredients they had on hand. The Ricotta cookie became a favorite in many Italian-American homes, especially around Christmas, as a way to celebrate the season and share something homemade with loved ones.
Conclusion:
These Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an expression of holiday joy, family unity, and love passed down through generations. The soft, pillowy texture, the sweetness of the glaze, and the festive sprinkles all come together in a perfect package that’s sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies carry with them the warmth of tradition and the joy of Christmas.
For the Lovers of Sweet and Savory:
These cookies are for the bakers who cherish the old-world traditions of Italian desserts. If you’re someone who loves a balance of sweet and slightly tangy flavors, these cookies will be your new holiday favorite. Perfect with a cup of espresso or a glass of milk, they bring the holiday spirit into every bite.
Plus, the beauty of these cookies is in their versatility. They can be made in various shapes—round, crescent, or even mini wreaths—and decorated with different colored sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra touch of glamour.
Baking these Ricotta cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories, sharing moments with loved ones, and enjoying a taste of history with every bite.