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Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Emily
Soft, cake-like Italian cookies with tangy lemon flavor and creamy ricotta cheese, finished with bright lemon glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
chilling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 34 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 142 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.75 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese room temperature
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1-1/2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest from 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp almond extract optional but recommended
  • 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
  • 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice for glaze
  • 1 tsp lemon zest for glaze

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  • Mix in ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and fully combined.
  • Gradually add flour mixture on low speed, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  • Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges barely start to color. Cookies should spring back when lightly touched.
  • Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  • Make glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.
  • Dip cooled cookies into glaze or drizzle over tops. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better texture
  • Chill dough at least 2 hours to prevent excessive spreading
  • Store glazed cookies in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days
  • Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months
  • Fresh lemon juice provides superior flavor compared to bottled
Keyword Lemon Ricotta Cookies