Italian Cookies

Authentic Italian Cookies Recipe - A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Italian cookies, also known as ricotta cookies, are a delicious and traditional treat that are perfect for any occasion. These soft and tender cookies are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a unique texture and flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Italian cookies have been a staple in Italian households for generations. The recipe has been passed down from family to family, with each cook adding their own special touch to make it their own. These cookies are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, but they are also a popular treat to enjoy any time of the year.

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar
2 sticks of melted butter
15 oz (425 g) of ricotta cheese
3 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of baking soda
1 cup of confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp of milk

How to prepare

Mix sugar, butter, ricotta, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the ricotta mixture until combined.
Flour hands and roll the dough into meatball-sized balls (the dough will be very moist).
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly brown (the tops will not be brown).
While baking, combine confectioner's sugar with milk to make icing.
Ice the warm cookies and top them with sprinkles.

=Notes

Store in an air-tight container when cool.

Variations

Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh ricotta cheese for the best results.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a fun twist, try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Italian cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert to enjoy after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mix the dough until just combined to avoid overmixing.

- Rolling the dough into balls with floured hands will help prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

- You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian cookies pair well with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or a scoop of gelato.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Italian cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Italian cookies contain dairy (ricotta cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Italian cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of protein and fat.

Summary

Italian cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their soft and tender texture and delicious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet ending to a meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Italian cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking and baking. She had a way of creating dishes that were not only delicious, but also filled with love and tradition.

One day, as I watched Nonna Maria prepare a batch of cookies for a family gathering, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Nonna Maria smiled at me and told me that the recipe was a family secret that had been passed down through generations. She explained that the cookies were a traditional Italian treat that were often made for special occasions and holidays.

I begged Nonna Maria to teach me how to make the cookies, and after much pleading, she finally agreed. As we worked together in the kitchen, she shared with me the history behind the recipe. She told me that the cookies were a symbol of family and community, and that each ingredient had a special meaning.

The recipe called for simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, but it was the way in which they were combined that made the cookies so special. Nonna Maria showed me how to mix the dough until it was smooth and pliable, and then how to roll it out and cut it into delicate shapes.

As we worked, Nonna Maria shared stories with me about her own childhood and the women in our family who had passed down the recipe. She told me about her own mother, who had taught her how to make the cookies when she was just a little girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into each batch, and how the cookies were a way of sharing that love with others.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the warm, sweet scent of vanilla and almond. Nonna Maria and I sat at the table, sipping tea and waiting for the cookies to cool. When they were finally ready, we sampled one together, savoring the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the subtle hint of citrus from the lemon zest.

From that day on, I was hooked. I spent countless hours in the kitchen with Nonna Maria, learning how to make all of her traditional Italian recipes. I watched as she kneaded bread dough with her strong, capable hands, and as she simmered pots of rich tomato sauce on the stove. I listened as she sang old Italian songs while she cooked, her voice filling the kitchen with warmth and joy.

Over the years, I continued to make the Italian cookies for my own family and friends. I shared the recipe with neighbors and coworkers, and each time I did, I felt a connection to my roots and to the women who had come before me. I felt a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations, and in sharing a taste of my heritage with others.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and basil, I can't help but smile as I think back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Italian cookies. It was a simple recipe, but it held within it a wealth of history and tradition. It was a recipe that had been lovingly passed down from mother to daughter, from generation to generation, and now it was mine to share with the world.

And so, as I bake a fresh batch of cookies for a family gathering, I know that Nonna Maria is watching over me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with love. And as I take a bite of a warm, buttery cookie, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to our heritage. The recipe for Italian cookies may be simple, but the memories and traditions it holds are anything but.