Ricotta Bliss: The Most Saved Holiday Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Holiday baking is a tradition cherished by many, a time for filling kitchens with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and butter. Among the plethora of cookies vying for a spot on festive platters, ricotta cookies stand out for their soft, cake-like texture and delicate sweetness. This recipe isn’t just any ricotta cookie recipe; it’s poised to become your most saved, go-to formula for years to come. We’ll delve into the secrets of achieving the perfect ricotta cookie, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process. Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of these cookies, guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Why Ricotta Cookies?

Ricotta cookies offer a delightful alternative to the often-crisp and crunchy textures of other holiday cookies. The ricotta cheese imparts a subtle richness and moisture that creates a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth crumb. They are also incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to different flavor profiles and decorations. Their subtle sweetness makes them a perfect canvas for a variety of glazes, sprinkles, and other embellishments, allowing you to customize them for any holiday or occasion.

Ingredients: The Key to Success

Choosing high-quality ingredients is paramount to achieving the best possible results. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it matters:

* **Ricotta Cheese:** This is the star of the show! Opt for whole-milk ricotta cheese for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly before using it. Excess moisture will lead to a wetter dough, resulting in cookies that spread too much and may not hold their shape. I recommend draining the ricotta for at least an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator, using a cheesecloth-lined colander.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately using the spoon and level method (spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level off the top with a knife) to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry, tough cookies. You can also use a kitchen scale for even more precise measurement.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the cookies. The amount of sugar can be adjusted slightly to suit your preferences, but be careful not to reduce it too much, as it also contributes to the cookie’s texture.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Use large eggs at room temperature for optimal emulsification and even baking.
* **Butter:** Adds flavor and tenderness. Use unsalted butter at room temperature, softened but not melted. Properly softened butter will be pliable and easy to cream with the sugar, creating a light and airy texture.
* **Baking Powder:** Leavening agent that helps the cookies rise. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results. An expired baking powder will not provide the necessary lift.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other extracts, such as almond or lemon, to create different flavor variations.
* **Lemon Zest (Optional):** Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the ricotta cheese. Use a microplane to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
* **Anise Extract (Optional):** Adds a distinct, licorice-like flavor that is often associated with Italian cookies. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Use a pinch of fine sea salt or table salt.

**Glaze Ingredients:**

* **Powdered Sugar:** Forms the base of the glaze. Sift the powdered sugar before using it to remove any lumps.
* **Milk or Lemon Juice:** Used to thin the glaze to the desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Adds flavor to the glaze. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
* **Sprinkles:** For decoration! Choose your favorite holiday sprinkles or use a variety of colors and shapes.

The Ultimate Ricotta Cookie Recipe

This recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Follow these steps closely for guaranteed success.

**Yields:** Approximately 24-36 cookies
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes (plus draining time for ricotta)
**Cook Time:** 10-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs, room temperature
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
* ¼ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
* 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt

**Glaze:**

* 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
* 3-4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Sprinkles, for decoration

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Wire rack

**Instructions:**

**Getting Started:**

1. **Drain the Ricotta:** Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined colander set over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, to drain excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

**Making the Cookie Dough:**

3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookies’ light and airy texture.
4. **Add Eggs and Extracts:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and anise extract (if using). Mix until well combined. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for consistent results.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky.
7. **Fold in Ricotta Cheese:** Gently fold in the drained ricotta cheese until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly wet, but not runny.

**Baking the Cookies:**

8. **Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can use a cookie scoop for more uniform cookies.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should be soft and puffy, but not browned.
10. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart while they are still warm and fragile.

**Making the Glaze:**

11. **Prepare the Glaze:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or lemon juice until smooth. Add more milk or lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to spread easily.

**Glazing and Decorating:**

12. **Glaze the Cookies:** Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon.
13. **Add Sprinkles:** Immediately sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets.
14. **Let Glaze Set:** Let the glaze set completely before serving or storing the cookies. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Tips for Perfect Ricotta Cookies

* **Don’t skip draining the ricotta:** This is the most crucial step for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
* **Use room temperature ingredients:** This helps the ingredients to emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother dough and more evenly baked cookies.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
* **Bake until just set:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. The cookies should be soft and puffy, but not browned.
* **Let the cookies cool completely before glazing:** This prevents the glaze from melting and running off the cookies.
* **Experiment with flavors:** Try adding different extracts, spices, or citrus zests to customize the flavor of the cookies. Some great additions include almond extract, orange zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
* **Make ahead:** The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
* **Freeze the cookies:** Baked and cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Variations and Additions

Ricotta cookies are incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies:** Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
* **Lemon Ricotta Cookies:** Add the zest of 1-2 lemons to the dough and use lemon juice in the glaze.
* **Orange Ricotta Cookies:** Add the zest of 1-2 oranges to the dough and use orange juice in the glaze.
* **Almond Ricotta Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough and top with slivered almonds before baking.
* **Spiced Ricotta Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough.
* **Gluten-Free Ricotta Cookies:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for binding.

Serving and Storing Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies are best served at room temperature. They are a perfect addition to holiday cookie platters, dessert tables, or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

**Storing:**

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Baked and cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting

* **Cookies are spreading too much:** Make sure you have drained the ricotta cheese thoroughly. Also, avoid using melted butter or overmixing the dough. If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Cookies are dry and crumbly:** Avoid overbaking the cookies. Also, make sure you are using enough butter and eggs. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Cookies are tough:** Avoid overmixing the dough. Also, make sure you are not using too much flour.
* **Glaze is too thick:** Add more milk or lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
* **Glaze is too thin:** Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

The Bottom Line

These ricotta cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the delicate aroma that fills your kitchen to the first bite of that soft, cake-like texture, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of ricotta cookies that will be the star of your holiday celebrations. These cookies are guaranteed to be the most saved recipe in your collection, bringing joy and sweetness to your holidays for years to come.