Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Short Description

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies with a bright lemon flavor and a delicate, slightly tangy sweetness. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh lemon zest, these cookies are moist, tender, and topped with a light lemon glaze for the perfect finishing touch. They’re a refreshing treat for any occasion, from holiday baking to afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture with a melt-in-your-mouth feel
• Bursting with fresh lemon flavor
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• A perfect balance of sweet and tangy
• Great for holidays, parties, or everyday treats

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Milk (optional, for a thinner glaze)

Directions

Make the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
   • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   • Mix in ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
5. Combine & Scoop
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let cool completely before glazing.

Make the Lemon Glaze:

1. Mix Ingredients
   • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Add milk if a thinner consistency is needed.
2. Glaze the Cookies
   • Drizzle or dip each cooled cookie in the glaze. Let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Almond Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Orange Ricotta Cookies: Swap lemon zest and juice for orange for a citrusy variation.
• Glazed vs. Sugared: Instead of glaze, sprinkle cookies with powdered sugar.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

What does ricotta do in cookies?

Ricotta makes the cookies extra soft and moist, giving them a cake-like texture.

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives a richer and softer texture.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

They can be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration extends their freshness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! They’re still delicious without it, or you can dust them with powdered sugar.

Why are my cookies too dense?

Overmixing the dough can make them dense. Mix just until combined.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes! Adjust baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may need 10 minutes, larger ones may need 15-17 minutes.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Use less lemon juice or add more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Try substituting dairy-free butter and ricotta alternatives, though texture may vary.

How can I enhance the lemon flavor?

Add extra zest or a little lemon extract for a stronger lemon taste.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and soft textures that make them a standout treat. With their bright lemon flavor and irresistible glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh, or make a batch ahead for a convenient, citrusy snack!

Print