Ricotta Cookie Recipes: Simple and Delicious Treats
The classic ricotta cookie is an underrated gem in the vast landscape of dessert options. These delicate treats combine the subtle creaminess of ricotta cheese with a variety of flavors, textures, and decorative elements to create a cookie that’s not just delightful to eat but also fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, need a dessert for a potluck, or just want to indulge in some sweet baking therapy at home, here’s your guide to crafting the perfect batch of ricotta cookies.
Ingredients for Ricotta Cookies
To begin your baking journey, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon or orange, optional for extra flavor
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting, or a glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice
How to Make Ricotta Cookies
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mixing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand if you’re looking to burn some calories before enjoying the fruits of your labor.
- Gradually incorporate the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla, and citrus zest, if using. Mix until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle.
- Shaping the Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. These cookies tend to spread, so give them room to breathe.
- For a neater look, you might choose to roll each portion into a ball before placing it on the sheet.
- Baking the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. You want them to be soft and almost cake-like when they come out of the oven.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
- Decorating:
- Once cool, you can either dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish or prepare a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies, or dip the tops into the glaze for a more pronounced effect.
Key Variations
Here are some flavor variations to add a twist to your ricotta cookies:
- Almond Ricotta Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla and include a handful of slivered almonds in the dough.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1⁄2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Citrus Swirl: Use both lemon and orange zest, and add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a vibrant look.
🎨 Note: Remember, creativity is key in baking. Experiment with flavors, toppings, and shapes to make these cookies truly your own.
Baking Tips
- Drain the Ricotta: Make sure to drain your ricotta thoroughly to avoid a too-wet dough.
- Chill the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape better, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Ricotta cookies rely on simple ingredients, so the quality matters.
The beauty of ricotta cookies lies in their simplicity and the warm, homely feel they bring to the table. With their soft, cake-like texture and the delicate balance of sweetness and tangy richness from the ricotta, these cookies make for a perfect treat any time of the year. Whether you choose to keep them classic with a simple sugar dusting or get adventurous with various glazes and add-ins, the core charm of ricotta cookies remains untouched – a testament to their versatility and appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cheeses instead of ricotta?
+
While ricotta cheese has a unique texture and flavor, you could experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone for a richer, creamier result, but it will change the character of the cookie.
How long do these cookies keep?
+
If stored in an airtight container, ricotta cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. The flavor might intensify over time, which some people enjoy.
Can I freeze ricotta cookie dough?
+
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the cookies, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
