Delicious Defined

These tender, cake-like treats boast a soft and moist texture, setting them apart from traditional cookies. The addition of ricotta cheese adds a subtle milky sweetness, while a touch of almond extract provides a fragrant note that elevates their flavor. 

What Are Ricotta Cookies?

Ricotta cookies are delightful, soft-textured treats that owe their unique character to the creamy, Italian cheese, ricotta. These cookies are known for their light and tender consistency. The base of ricotta cookies consists of ingredients like ricotta cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. However, it’s the ricotta cheese that distinguishes them from traditional cookies. The addition of ricotta not only contributes to their soft, cake-like texture but also imparts a subtle, milky sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of flavorings. Ricotta cookies can be customized with a variety of ingredients, from vanilla and citrus zest to nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

What Do You Need to Make Ricotta Cookies?

Flour: All-purpose flour is a versatile type of flour commonly used in baking. It provides structure to the cookies by forming a gluten network when mixed with liquids. It provides structure and texture by forming the matrix that holds the cookies together. The protein in flour, when mixed with liquid and kneaded, creates gluten, which gives the cookies their structure. The amount of flour used can also influence the thickness and chewiness of the cookies.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. It produces carbon dioxide gas when combined with moisture and an acid, like the almond extract or the acids present in other ingredients. This leavening action is essential for achieving a softer, cake-like texture in ricotta cookies.
Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the cookies. It also contributes to their tender, crumbly texture. The salted nature of the butter adds a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Ricotta: Ricotta cheese is the star ingredient in ricotta cookies. It adds a creamy, milky flavor and moisture to the cookies. The ricotta’s moisture content contributes to the soft, cake-like texture that sets these cookies apart from others.
Almond Extract: Almond extract is a flavoring agent that infuses the cookies with a subtle almond flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the cookies and complements the sweetness from the sugar and the creaminess from the ricotta, adding a delightful aroma and taste to the final product.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in this recipe. It provides sweetness and caramelization during baking, resulting in a golden brown color and a satisfying sweetness in the cookies. It also aids in creating a tender texture and moistness.

Serving Suggestions

Ricotta cookies make for a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be enjoyed in various ways.

Top with a Glaze or Frosting: Consider drizzling a simple glaze or frosting over the cookies. A classic choice is a sweet lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice, which pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of the ricotta. You can also use vanilla or almond-flavored glazes for added depth of flavor. The glaze not only adds a pop of color but also provides an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Sprinkles and Decorations: Add a whimsical touch of color by sprinkling colorful nonpareils or sugar sprinkles on top of the cookies.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Ricotta cookies make an excellent companion to a cup of coffee or tea. The mild sweetness of the cookies complements the warm, comforting flavors of your favorite brew. You can serve them during a coffee break or as an afternoon tea snack.
Dessert Platter: Arrange ricotta cookies on a dessert platter with other sweet treats such as brownies, macarons, or fruit tarts. They make a delightful addition to any dessert spread, whether at a party, a family gathering, or a special occasion.