Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Ricotta Cheese Cookies Recipe from Italy

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

Introduction

Ricotta cheese cookies are a delightful and unique treat that combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the sweetness of sugar and vanilla. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a festive dessert to serve at a holiday gathering.

History

Ricotta cheese cookies have their origins in Italian cuisine, where ricotta cheese is a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. The addition of ricotta cheese to cookie dough creates a soft and tender texture that is truly irresistible. These cookies have been enjoyed for generations in Italy and have since become a beloved treat in many other parts of the world.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 (15 oz (425 g)) container ricotta cheese
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Icing

1.5 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp milk
colored sprinkles (red and green)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, beat the sugar and margarine or butter together until blended, using a mixer at low speed.
Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes.
At medium speed, add the ricotta, vanilla, and eggs to the mixture and beat until well combined.
Reduce the speed to low.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and beat until a dough forms.
Drop the dough by level tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto an ungreased large cookie sheet.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cookies are very lightly golden (they will still be soft).
Using a pancake turner, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Once the cookies have cooled, prepare the icing by stirring the confectioners' sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth.
Using a small metal spatula or knife, spread the icing on the cookies and sprinkle them with red or green sugar crystals.
Set the cookies aside to allow the icing to dry completely, which should take about 1 hour.

Variations

Add lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract for a nutty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use softened butter for the cookie dough to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a festive touch, decorate the cookies with colored sprinkles or festive icing.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these ricotta cheese cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the cookies to ensure even cooking.

- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough for evenly sized cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

- If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with additional colored sprinkles for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These ricotta cheese cookies pair well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ricotta cheese cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ricotta cheese cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ricotta cheese cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of ricotta cheese cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Alergens

These cookies contain dairy (ricotta cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Ricotta cheese cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of calcium.

Summary

Ricotta cheese cookies are a delightful and unique treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a soft and tender texture and a sweet icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet intriguing recipe for Ricotta Cheese Cookies that caught my eye in an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Maria. Maria was a talented cook and baker, and she was always willing to share her recipes with me. I remember sitting at her kitchen table, sipping on a cup of tea as she flipped through the pages of her cookbook, pointing out her favorite recipes and sharing stories of where she had learned them.

One day, as Maria and I were chatting over tea, she came across the recipe for Ricotta Cheese Cookies and her eyes lit up. "These cookies are a family favorite," she said with a smile. "They're soft, pillowy, and full of flavor. Would you like me to teach you how to make them?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria handed me the cookbook to take home with me. As I pored over the recipe, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had never made cookies with ricotta cheese before, and I was eager to learn something new.

The following day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed the dough, the scent of lemon and vanilla filled the air, reminding me of the cozy afternoons I spent baking with my own grandmother when I was a child. I rolled the dough into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet, watching as they rose and spread in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma.

When the cookies were finally done, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the soft, tender texture and the subtle sweetness of the ricotta cheese. They were delicious, just as Maria had promised. I made a mental note to add this recipe to my collection, knowing that it would become a favorite in my own family.

Over the years, I made these Ricotta Cheese Cookies countless times, each batch bringing back memories of my dear friend Maria and our shared love of cooking. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of baking these sweet treats to the next generation.

As time went on, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, each one adding a new flavor and story to my culinary repertoire. I learned to make traditional dishes from my Italian heritage, as well as recipes from friends and neighbors from all walks of life. Each recipe taught me something new about cooking and baking, and I cherished the memories and connections that came with each dish.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by well-loved cookbooks and handwritten recipes, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that has led me to this moment. The recipe for Ricotta Cheese Cookies may have been just one of many that I have collected over the years, but it holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that comes with sharing food with loved ones.

So, the next time you find yourself looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with something new. You never know what delicious discoveries you may make along the way. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have your own story to tell about a special recipe that has become a favorite in your own family.