Description
Soft, cake-like Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies with a hint of lemon and vanilla, topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. A classic treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie swaps.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
For the glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk to desired consistency.
- Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Allow glaze to set before serving or storing.
Notes
Chill dough for 15–30 minutes if cookies spread too much while baking.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze unglazed cookies for longer storage and glaze when ready to serve.
Use whole milk ricotta for best texture and moisture.
Try variations like orange zest or almond extract in the glaze for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
