Irresistible Soft and Fluffy Italian Ricotta Cookies : The Classic Italian Christmas Dessert Everyone Loves

There’s something magical about Italian Ricotta Cookies — light, moist, and delicately sweet treats that melt in your mouth with every bite. These cookies are a staple during the holidays, particularly at Italian Christmas gatherings, where they’re often topped with a lemon glaze and festive sprinkles. Soft like mini cakes and full of rich ricotta flavor, they are the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making them one of the most beloved Italian Christmas cookies.

If you adore easy and comforting desserts, you’ll also fall in love with Twix Cookies, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, and Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. Each of these recipes captures that same home-baked joy that Italian families cherish around the holidays.

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Why You’ll Love These Italian Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are incredibly soft, with a texture somewhere between a cookie and a cupcake. The ricotta cheese keeps them moist and tender for days, while the light citrus glaze adds a touch of brightness that makes them perfect for any celebration.

Here’s why these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking routine:

• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture – thanks to the ricotta and butter combination.
• Easy to make – no chilling required, and the dough comes together in minutes.
• Festive and elegant – perfect for holidays, tea parties, or dessert platters.
• Customizable flavor – you can make them lemony, almondy, or even chocolate-flavored.
• Perfect make-ahead dessert – they stay moist and delicious for days.

For more soft cookie recipes, try the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. They’re hearty, chewy, and wonderfully spiced.

What Are Italian Ricotta Cookies?

Italian Ricotta Cookies are traditional drop cookies made with ricotta cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Originating from Southern Italy, these cookies are known for their moist, cake-like texture. Unlike crisp cookies, they remain pillowy soft inside, making them ideal for pairing with coffee or hot tea.

They’re especially popular as Italian Christmas cookies, often decorated with colored sprinkles or drizzled with a simple citrus glaze. Many families pass down their own variations, adding touches like almond extract, lemon zest, or even chocolate chips.

If you enjoy classic Italian-inspired baking, you’ll love pairing these cookies with the Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips, which adds a warm, fruity complement to the table.

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)

For the Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional but festive)

For a fun twist on classic desserts, also check out Pumpkin Twists, a beautiful pastry with a hint of spice — perfect for pairing with coffee after your cookie feast.

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Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any special equipment to make these cookies. Just a few essentials:

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

You can use the same tools to prepare other Dessert Facile options like Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars, which require minimal effort but look stunning when served.

How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), and ricotta cheese. Beat again until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky — perfect for soft cookies.

Step 5: Drop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cool, drizzle with the glaze and decorate with colorful sprinkles if desired.

If you adore easy holiday cookies, also try Twix Cookies — buttery, chocolatey, and perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges.

Tips for Perfect Ricotta Cookies

• Use full-fat ricotta: It gives the cookies their signature moist texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stop mixing once the flour is incorporated to keep them tender.
• Cool completely before glazing: Otherwise, the glaze will melt off.
• Use fresh lemon zest: Adds a bright, authentic Italian flavor.
• Decorate fast: The glaze sets quickly, so add sprinkles right away.

These baking tips also work wonderfully for other Easy Cookie Recipes like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest cookies can go wrong with small errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using low-fat ricotta: It results in a dry, crumbly texture.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds both flavor and softness.
• Overbaking: The cookies should stay light in color with soft centers.
• Storing uncovered: Always store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

For consistently perfect results in all your baking, check out Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies — another recipe that stays soft and chewy for days.

Recipe Variations and Flavor Twists

The beauty of Ricotta Cookies lies in their versatility. Try these variations to keep things exciting:

• Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and more zest to the dough and glaze.
• Orange Ricotta Cookies: Use orange zest and a hint of almond extract for a Mediterranean flair.
• Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
• Almond Ricotta Cookies: Substitute almond extract for vanilla and sprinkle crushed almonds on top.
• Festive Ricotta Cookies: Tint the glaze with food coloring for holidays.

For a dessert pairing that complements every variation, serve alongside Apple Crisp with Oatmeal — a warm, cozy dish with crunchy sweetness.

How to Make the Perfect Ricotta Glaze

The glaze is the finishing touch that elevates these cookies.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or lemon juice until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency — add more sugar for thicker glaze, or more liquid for a thinner drizzle.
3. Dip or drizzle over cooled cookies and top with sprinkles.
4. Let them set for 15–20 minutes before storing.

This simple glaze also works beautifully on pastries like Pumpkin Twists.

Serving Ideas for Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies are soft, elegant, and full of holiday spirit. Serve them in creative ways to impress your guests:

• Arrange on a festive platter with red and green sprinkles for Christmas.
• Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino after dinner.
• Pair with a creamy dessert like Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips.
• Gift them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper.

They’re the perfect finale to any Italian-inspired holiday meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make-ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it.
Storage: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

For more make-ahead sweets, try Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups, which freeze beautifully and make hosting easier.

More Italian Desserts and Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

Expand your baking collection with these Italian-inspired and easy cookie recipes from Lyndy’s Kitchen:

• Twix Cookies
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Pumpkin Twists
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
• Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips

Each one is a Dessert Facile that adds comfort and creativity to your kitchen.

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FAQs About Italian Ricotta Cookies

Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Full-fat is best for a moist, fluffy texture, but part-skim can work in a pinch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but it adds wonderful flavor and keeps the cookies soft longer.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the cookies after glazing?
Yes, just separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

For more cookie magic, try Twix Cookies, which feature buttery layers of caramel and chocolate.

Why These Italian Cookies Belong on Your Holiday Dessert Table

Italian Ricotta Cookies are more than just a treat — they’re a piece of tradition. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, they bring warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. With their delicate glaze and beautiful presentation, they’re perfect for both festive gatherings and everyday indulgence.

They symbolize what Italian baking does best — simple ingredients, heartfelt preparation, and flavors that bring people together.

For even more sweet inspiration, explore Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars — desserts that are just as comforting and crowd-pleasing.

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