Description
Soft Italian Ricotta Cookies with almond glaze are tender, festive treats perfect for the holiday season. Topped with a sweet almond glaze and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are an easy and crowd-pleasing addition to Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla, and almond extracts until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip cooled cookies into glaze, let excess drip off, and sprinkle with decorations.
- Set and Serve: Allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to prevent spreading.
- For a nut-free option, replace almond extract with vanilla.
- Experiment with different sprinkles or glazes for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
