Welcome to the world of authentic Italian baking where the simple ricotta cookies recipe transforms your kitchen into a traditional Italian bakery! As someone who's spent countless hours perfecting this beloved family tradition, I'm thrilled to share this foolproof simple ricotta cookies recipe that delivers incredibly soft, pillowy cookies every single time. These aren't just any ordinary cookies; they're cloud-like Italian treasures that have been passed down through generations, and now you can master this simple ricotta cookies recipe in your own home.

What makes this simple ricotta cookies recipe so special is its incredible simplicity combined with absolutely divine results. Unlike complicated baking projects that require precise timing and professional skills, this recipe welcomes bakers of all levels with open arms, promising consistent success with every batch you create.

Freshly baked ricotta cookies recipe with glaze cooling on a wire rack on a white kitchen table.

Traditional Italian Heritage & Why This Recipe Stands Out

This simple ricotta cookies recipe represents centuries of Italian baking wisdom, originating from the sun-soaked regions of Southern Italy where fresh ricotta cheese was abundant and precious. Italian nonnas have been perfecting this simple ricotta cookies recipe for generations, creating cookies that are impossibly tender, lightly sweet, and infused with the creamy richness that only fresh ricotta can provide. What sets this particular simple ricotta cookies recipe apart from others is its perfect balance of ingredients that creates cookies with an almost cake-like texture while maintaining the classic cookie form.

The magic behind this simple ricotta cookies recipe lies in the ricotta cheese itself, which acts as both a moistening agent and flavor enhancer, creating cookies that stay soft for days rather than hours. Unlike traditional butter-based cookies that can become dense or dry, this recipe produces consistently light, airy treats that practically dissolve on your tongue, making them absolutely irresistible to both children and adults alike.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Simple Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Recipe Variations
Storage
The Secret to Bakery-Perfect Results
FAQ
Perfect Cookie Companions: More Italian-Inspired Treats
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

Fresh whole milk ricotta cheese
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt
Lemon zest
Butter (softened)
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Milk (for glaze)
Food coloring (optional)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest
Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until just combined, being careful not to overmix

Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Cookies

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
Gradually add dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets
Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking

Bake and Glaze Your Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and pale
Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks
Prepare glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
Once cookies are completely cool, dip tops in glaze or drizzle over each cookie

Equipment For Simple Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling racks
Small bowl for glaze
Whisk for mixing glaze

Expert Cooking Tips

Use fresh ricotta cheese rather than low-fat versions for the best texture and flavor in your simple ricotta cookies recipe
Don't overmix the dough once flour is added to prevent tough, dense cookies
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it seems too soft to handle properly
Test bake one cookie first to check spreading and adjust dough consistency if needed
Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off
Store ricotta in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using for optimal mixing

Recipe Variations

Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Add extra lemon zest and lemon juice to both dough and glaze for bright citrus flavor in your simple ricotta cookies recipe
Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic
Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a traditional Italian flavor profile
Orange Zest: Substitute orange zest for lemon to create festive holiday cookies
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
Sugar-Free: Replace granulated sugar with sugar substitute suitable for baking

Storage

Store cooled, unglazed cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days
Glazed cookies should be stored in single layers separated by parchment paper
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving
Refrigerate cookies in humid climates to maintain texture and prevent sticking
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap for lunch boxes or gift-giving

The Secret to Bakery-Perfect Results

The real secret behind achieving bakery-quality results with your simple ricotta cookies recipe lies in two crucial techniques that most home bakers overlook completely. First, the ricotta cheese must be at the perfect temperature and consistency; if it's too cold, it won't incorporate smoothly, and if it's too warm, it can make your dough too sticky to handle properly. The ideal approach is removing your ricotta from refrigeration about 30 minutes before baking, allowing it to reach that perfect room temperature that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.

Second, the timing of your glaze application can make or break your simple ricotta cookies recipe success. Many bakers rush this step, applying glaze while cookies are still warm, which causes the glaze to become thin and runny instead of creating that perfect, glossy coating that professional bakeries achieve. Patience is key; allow your cookies to cool completely, then apply your glaze with confidence for those picture-perfect results that will impress everyone who tries them.

FAQ

Why do my ricotta cookies come out flat?

Flat ricotta cookies typically result from using ricotta that's too wet or warm, causing excess moisture in your simple ricotta cookies recipe dough. To prevent this, drain your ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before using, and ensure all ingredients are at proper room temperature. Additionally, overmixing the dough can break down the structure, leading to flat cookies that spread too much during baking.

How to keep ricotta cookies from getting soggy?

Preventing soggy ricotta cookies in your simple ricotta cookies recipe requires proper storage techniques and timing. Always allow cookies to cool completely before storing, use airtight containers with parchment paper between layers, and avoid storing glazed cookies in humid environments. If you live in a particularly humid climate, store your finished cookies in the refrigerator to maintain their perfect texture and prevent moisture absorption.

Why are my ricotta cookies spreading?

Excessive spreading in your simple ricotta cookies recipe usually indicates that your dough is too warm or contains too much liquid. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensure your ricotta isn't too wet, and check that your butter isn't overly soft. Using a cookie scoop helps maintain consistent sizes, and spacing cookies properly on baking sheets prevents them from spreading into each other during the baking process.

What are the 7 steps in making cookies?

The seven essential steps for perfect simple ricotta cookies recipe success include: measuring all ingredients accurately, creaming butter and sugar properly, incorporating wet ingredients gradually, mixing dry ingredients separately, combining wet and dry ingredients without overmixing, shaping dough into uniform portions, and baking at the correct temperature for the specified time. Following these steps ensures consistent, professional-quality results every single time you bake.

Now that you've mastered this incredible simple ricotta cookies recipe, your baking repertoire is ready for two more delightful treats that perfectly complement these soft, pillowy Italian cookies. The Simple Chocolate Mint Cookies offer a refreshing contrast with their rich cocoa flavor and cool mint finish, creating the perfect balance when served alongside your ricotta cookies for special occasions or holiday gatherings. These chocolate mint cookies provide that satisfying richness that pairs beautifully with the light, airy texture of your simple ricotta cookies recipe, giving your guests an irresistible variety of flavors to enjoy.

For those seeking another layer of seasonal magic, the 3 Secret Steps to Perfect Maple Cookie Magic brings warm, cozy flavors that create the ultimate cookie trio when combined with your simple ricotta cookies recipe masterpieces. These maple cookies add autumn-inspired sweetness and warmth that makes every bite feel like a celebration, whether you're hosting family gatherings, preparing holiday gift boxes, or simply treating yourself to homemade goodness that rivals any professional bakery's offerings.

From my kitchen, with heart.
Emily Nelson ❤️

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