Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Moist: The ricotta cheese creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies beginner-friendly.
• Festive and Customizable: With colorful sprinkles and a sweet almond glaze, they can be decorated to suit any holiday theme.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies stay soft and fresh for days, making them perfect for holiday planning.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Their unique texture and flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze:
   In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
   Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place them upright on the wire rack.
10. Decorate:
    Sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles immediately after glazing.
11. Set and Serve:
    Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Different Glazes: Use a vanilla or chocolate glaze instead of almond for variety.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit almond extract and replace with additional vanilla extract.
• Decorations: Experiment with different sprinkles or edible glitter for various occasions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Glazed cookies should be stored in a single layer to avoid sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in a microwave for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

5. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.

6. Can I use different sprinkles?

Yes, customize the sprinkles for any holiday or event.

7. Why is my glaze too runny?

Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

8. How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 30 minutes.

9. Are these cookies overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced, but you can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.

10. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds a delightful sweetness and decorative touch.

Conclusion

Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday baking lineup. Their tender texture, sweet almond glaze, and colorful decorations make them a family favorite. Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at your holiday table, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and cheer.