The Italian Ricotta Cookie

Here is a big, comprehensive recipe post for what I believe are Classic Italian Ricotta Cookies. They are soft, cake-like, have a hint of lemon, and are topped with a simple glaze and sprinkles. They are a staple at many family holiday gatherings, just as you remember!

I have structured this exactly as you requested, with a full introduction, history, benefits, and everything in between.

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🇮🇹 The Italian Ricotta Cookie: A Holiday Tradition Reborn

Introduction
There are some flavors that are so deeply woven into the fabric of our childhood that just the memory of them can transport us back in time. For me, and now for you again, that flavor is the soft, delicate, and subtly sweet taste of Italian Ricotta Cookies. These little pillows of joy were the unsung heroes of my grandmother’s holiday parties. While everyone else was busy socializing, I had a one-track mind: find the tray of these frosted gems. I’d sneak them by the handful, the soft crumb melting in my mouth, the sweet glaze giving way to a hint of lemon and a burst of colorful sprinkles.

Finding this recipe feels like finding a lost key to a treasure chest of memories. My heart is so full knowing I can recreate that magic and share it with my own family. These are more than just cookies; they are edible hugs from the past. Get ready to bake the most tender, unforgettable cookies you’ve ever tasted.

The History of the Cookie
While the exact origin is hard to pin down, the Italian Ricotta Cookie is a beloved staple in Italian-American communities. It embodies the Italian baking philosophy of using simple, fresh ingredients—like ricotta cheese, which adds incredible moisture—to create something truly special. These cookies became a fixture at weddings, communions, and especially Christmas and Easter celebrations. They represent family, tradition, and the sweet moments we share around a dessert table. Every family has their own slight variation, passed down through generations, making this recipe not just a list of ingredients, but a living piece of family history.

The Benefits (The “Feel-Good” Factors)

· Makes a Ton: This recipe yields 4-5 dozen cookies, making it perfect for parties, gift-giving, or freezing for later.
· Incredibly Soft: Thanks to the ricotta, these cookies stay moist and tender for days, unlike many other cookies that become hard and stale.
· Customizable: You can change the flavor extract (almond, anise, vanilla) and the color of the sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion.
· A Connection to the Past: The biggest benefit is the feeling of connection. Baking these is a way to honor your grandmother and keep her traditions alive.

📝 The Recipe: Grandma’s Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
· 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (do not use low-fat or part-skim)
· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
· 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but traditional)
· 2 large eggs
· 4 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze & Decoration:

· 4 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, sifted
· 1/4 cup whole milk (plus more, if needed)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice (for a tangy kick)
· Food coloring (optional, for holidays)
· Rainbow sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies work best)

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Instructions (Methods)

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the bottoms don’t burn.
2. Cream the Base: In a large bowl (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Scraping down the sides is key here!
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Bring it Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix! Stop when the flour just disappears. The dough will be very soft and slightly sticky.
6. Scoop & Bake: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just very lightly golden. The tops will not brown much. They should look set and puffy.
8. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is crucial the cookies are 100% cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt right off.

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The Grand Finale: Glazing & Decoration

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and the vanilla extract (or lemon juice). The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more sugar.
2. Color It (Optional): If you want colored glaze for a holiday, separate the glaze into bowls and stir in your food coloring now.
3. Dip & Swirl: Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, or use the back of a spoon to spread the glaze over the tops.
4. Sprinkle! Immediately top with your rainbow sprinkles before the glaze sets.
5. Set & Serve: Place the cookies back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to harden completely. This takes about 1-2 hours.

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Formation & Texture
The “formation” of this cookie is what makes it so distinct. The ricotta cheese creates a chemical reaction with the baking powder and soda, resulting in a dense yet incredibly tender, cake-like crumb. It’s not a chewy cookie or a crunchy one; it’s a soft, almost creamy-textured little cake that holds its shape perfectly under a sweet, crackly layer of glaze.

For the Cookie Lovers
If you are a lover of soft-baked goods, cake donuts, or light desserts, these cookies are your new best friend. They aren’t overly sweet like a sugar cookie; the richness of the ricotta balances the sugar perfectly. They are for the lover of tradition, the one who appreciates the time and care that goes into hand-frosting dozens of little treats.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)

· Calories: ~110-130
· Fat: 4.5g
· Carbohydrates: 17g
· Protein: 2g
· Please note that these are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Conclusion
This recipe is my gift to you, just as it was my grandmother’s gift to me. As you mix the dough and watch them puff up in the oven, I hope you feel that same flutter of nostalgia I did. I hope the smell of vanilla and sweet dough fills your kitchen with warmth and love. These cookies are more than a dessert; they are a time machine. Go ahead, make a batch, and sneak a few before anyone notices. Nonna would want it that way.

For the Lovers of Life and Family
Here’s to grandmas, to holiday parties, to sticky fingers, and to recipes that outlive us all. Enjoy every single bite. 😋

👇 Let me know in the comments if you made these and what memories they brought back for you! 💓👇