Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy, delightful treat that brings warmth and tradition to your holiday table, this Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are tender, subtly spiced, and uniquely moist thanks to the creamy ricotta cheese folded seamlessly into the dough. The bright zest of lemon and orange adds a fresh twist that balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or gifting neighbors, these cookies capture the very essence of festive joy in every bite and will quickly become a cherished classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its elegantly simple ingredients. Each item plays a pivotal role, whether it’s lending texture, moisture, or those enchanting seasonal flavors we all crave. Getting these basics right is the secret to cookie perfection.

• 2 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a light, tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that ensures a perfect rise without heaviness.
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create a delicate texture and subtle browning.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, comforting spice that makes these cookies feel festive and special.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese: The star ingredient—keeps the cookies irresistibly moist and adds richness.
• 1 cup Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter: Brings a creamy richness and tender crumb to every bite.
• 1 large Egg: Acts as the binding agent that holds all ingredients together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a lovely warm note.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Infuses a bright, fresh citrus flavor that lifts the cookies.
• Zest of 1 Orange: Adds sweet, fragrant warmth that complements the spices and ricotta.
• 1 cup Powdered sugar: For the glossy, sweet glaze that makes these cookies shine.
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Sprinkles or nonpareils: Fun, festive decoration that adds a playful crunch and color.

How to Make Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Ricotta Cheese

Mix in your ricotta cheese thoroughly to combine it with the creamed butter and sugar. This ingredient is what gives these cookies their lovely moistness and slight tang—so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Beat in Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. The egg binds the dough, while vanilla adds a subtle warmth that complements the citrus zest.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, lemon zest, orange zest, and salt. This combination of spices and zest is what infuses each bite with festive flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. This will give you nicely shaped cookies with just the right amount of softness.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers might look slightly soft but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool on a Wire Rack

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents overbaking and keeps them deliciously chewy.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve a drizzling consistency—thick enough to coat but fluid enough to spread.

Step 11: Glaze and Decorate

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with festive nonpareils or sprinkles. This final touch adds a playful burst of color and a bit of crunch.

Step 12: Let the Glaze Set

Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving. This step ensures the decorations stay put, and the glaze achieves that perfect sheen.

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are already sweet and festive, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can add an elegant touch. You might also try a few fresh citrus zest curls for an extra pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe with a hot cup of espresso or a creamy latte to complement their rich texture. For a holiday party, serve alongside a variety of cheeses and fresh fruit for a sophisticated snack platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board decorated with pine sprigs and cranberries for a holiday centerpiece. Wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with twine makes for charming, heartfelt gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Lining the container with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and preserves their delicate texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze portioned balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. For baked cookies, place them in a sealed container with parchment layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in a low oven (300°F) for 3-5 minutes to regain their fresh-baked softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ricotta cheese for another ingredient?

Ricotta is key to the unique texture and moisture of this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, a thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone could work. Just be aware the texture and flavor might change slightly.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, they might start to dry out, so freezing is a better option for longer storage.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

Since ricotta and butter are essential to the cookie’s signature texture, making a strictly dairy-free version is tricky. However, experimenting with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter could yield tasty results if you’re up for a challenge.

Do I need to add the glaze?

The glaze adds a sweet and festive finishing touch, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cookie. They are delicious on their own with the citrus zest and spices shining through.

Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Granulated sugar dissolves more evenly for a smooth batter, but using caster sugar or superfine sugar will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe is a heartwarming way to add a sprinkle of love to your holidays. From the rich, luscious dough to the delicate glaze and festive decoration, these cookies effortlessly combine tradition with a fresh, bright twist. I encourage you to try baking these soon—they’re the kind of treat that will have everyone asking for seconds and creating sweet memories around your table.

Print