Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies that offer a delightful citrus zing paired with the rich, creamy texture of ricotta cheese. These cookies are known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality, which is enhanced by the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest, giving them a refreshing and bright flavor. Topped with a light lemon glaze, these cookies are not overly sweet and provide a perfect balance of flavors, making them ideal for tea time, as a light dessert, or a special treat during the holidays.
Ingredients:
For the cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
Directions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
- Chill the dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. This makes the sticky dough easier to handle.
- Bake the cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to harden before serving.
Lemon Ricotta Cookies are delightfully refreshing and soft, with a flavor that is both vibrant and comforting. They’re sure to brighten any cookie platter or sweeten any gathering with their lovely hint of citrus and tender crumb.
