Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies: A Holiday Tradition
Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any festive gathering. Soft and moist, these cookies are infused with a hint of vanilla and almond, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply irresistible. With a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, they embody the spirit of Christmas and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Who wouldn’t love to receive a box of these festive delights during the holiday season?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for several reasons! First, the combination of ricotta cheese creates a texture that is unbelievably soft and tender—no dry cookies here! Plus, they are easy to whip up, making them a great option for holiday baking. You can get the whole family involved, and trust me, the kids will love adding sprinkles on top! Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also add a colorful touch to your holiday table. You’ll find that they quickly become a cherished tradition, just like they did in my family!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– Colored sprinkles for decorating
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Cookie scoop or spoon
– Wire rack
– Small bowl for glazing
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize these cookies! You can substitute the ricotta with cream cheese for a richer flavor, or use different extracts such as lemon or orange for a citrusy twist. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that perfect texture!
4. Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract until combined—this mixture will be thick and creamy.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; don’t overmix!
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn light golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl, adjusting the consistency as needed.
10. Once the cookies are cool, dip their tops into the glaze or drizzle it over, and showcase your creativity with colored sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies can stand alone, but they pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa! You might also want to serve them with a holiday cheeseboard or alongside other festive treats for a dessert spread that will impress.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter is truly softened for the best texture.
– Don’t skip chilling the dough in hot weather; this helps them maintain their shape.
– Experiment with different sprinkle colors to match your holiday theme!
Storing and Reheating
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
FAQ Section
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months. Just roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Decorate while the glaze is still wet! This way, the sprinkles will stick perfectly.
Conclusion
Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are not just delightful treats; they are a heartfelt gesture of love during the holiday season. Simple to make yet impressive in taste and appearance, they will undoubtedly become a staple in your festive baking repertoire. I invite you to try this recipe and share your holiday memories with them. Don’t forget to leave a review or tag us on social media with your creations!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per cookie:
Calories: 90
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Enjoy baking these delightful cookies, and may they bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
