Italian ricotta cookies have their origins in southern Italy, particularly in regions like Sicily and Calabria, where ricotta cheese has been a staple of the local diet for centuries. These soft, cake-like cookies were born out of the tradition of using fresh, local ingredients in home baking, with ricotta added to dough to create a moist, tender texture and subtle richness. Ricotta itself has deep roots in ancient Roman and Greek culinary traditions, and incorporating it into sweets became a hallmark of southern Italian desserts. Often flavored with lemon, orange zest, or vanilla and topped with a light glaze, ricotta cookies are especially popular during holidays like Easter and Christmas. Their comforting flavor and simple preparation have made them a cherished part of Italian family baking traditions, both in Italy and among Italian-American communities.

These delectable Italian Ricotta Cookies are incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. Adorned with a luscious almond glaze and colorful sprinkles, they are bound to win over the hearts of your loved ones and become a cherished treat for the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 60 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb butter
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
Glaze
  • 4 tbsp milk
  • 1 1/2 cups powder sugar
  • 1 tsp almond extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract, and mix until thoroughly combined. In another medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture to the ricotta mixture, mixing well. Shape the dough into teaspoon-sized balls by rolling or scooping, and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth. Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and place them upright on the wire rack. Immediately sprinkle the cookies with decorative sprinkles. Repeat this process for the remaining cookies.