Best Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Soft, Irresistible Treats

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something truly comforting about the soft, pillowy texture of Italian ricotta cookies, with their subtle sweetness and delicate hint of vanilla and citrus. One afternoon, craving something homemade but fuss-free, I stumbled upon this classic recipe that combines simplicity with rich, creamy flavor thanks to ricotta cheese. These cookies quickly became my go-to for sharing with friends—whether at a casual coffee gathering or a festive holiday spread, they effortlessly impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that balances lightness and indulgence perfectly, this Italian Ricotta Cookies recipe might just become your new favorite.

Why choose this Italian Ricotta Cookies recipe?

Irresistibly Soft Texture: Thanks to ricotta cheese, these cookies stay tender and moist. Effortless Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make baking a breeze. Delicate Flavors: A lovely mix of vanilla and citrus zest adds an elegant touch. Versatile Treat: Perfect for casual coffee breaks or holiday celebrations. Crowd-Pleasing: Light, yet indulgent – a guaranteed favorite among friends and family.

Italian Ricotta Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Ricotta Cheese – Adds moisture and tenderness for irresistibly soft cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – The base that gives structure while keeping cookies light.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens without overpowering, balancing ricotta’s creaminess.
Baking Powder – Leavens gently to create that delicate, pillowy texture.
Eggs – Bind ingredients and enrich flavor for a rich Italian Ricotta Cookies recipe.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses warm, comforting aroma and subtle sweetness.
Lemon Zest – Brightens each bite with fresh citrusy notes for a perfect flavor lift.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet coating that hardens gently on top.
Milk or Lemon Juice – Thins glaze to perfect consistency and adds subtle tang if lemon juice is used.

How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside for easy removal and even baking.
Whisk Dry Ingredients in a bowl: combine flour, baking powder, and sugar until light, fluffy, and well combined for perfect texture.
Incorporate Ricotta by stirring in ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until a smooth, soft dough forms easily in under a minute.
Scoop dough into rounded 2-Tbsp mounds, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets so they bake evenly and turn golden.
Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes at 350°F, until edges set and centers look slightly underbaked for irresistibly moist, tender centers.

For the Glaze:

Prepare Glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until silky smooth, adjusting liquid for perfect dippable consistency.
Glaze cooled cookies by dipping tops or drizzling glaze; let them set 10 minutes until slightly firm for a glossy, sweet finish.

Optional: Dust with extra lemon zest for a pop of color.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Italian Ricotta Cookies

Feel free to play around with this recipe and discover delightful new flavors and textures!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat.
Citrus Twist: Use orange zest instead of lemon for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor that adds warmth to every bite.
Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet twist; chocolate and ricotta create a luscious pairing!
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds for texture; they’ll give a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie.
Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor—the spices blend beautifully with ricotta’s richness.
Fruity Additions: Mix in diced dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a burst of natural sweetness and chewiness.
Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta with a dairy-free alternative (like tofu blended smooth) to keep the texture light while accommodating dietary needs.
Soaked Raisins: Experiment by soaking raisins in a splash of rum or orange juice before adding them for a delightful, moist surprise in every bite.

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Ricotta Cookies recipe are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their soft texture and freshness. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into mounds and refrigerate them, ready to bake at a moment’s notice. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat the oven, place the dough mounds onto baking sheets, and bake as directed. With these prep steps, you’ll have delicious, homemade treats with minimal effort, perfect for any occasion!

How to Store and Freeze Italian Ricotta Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep Italian ricotta cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; they’ll retain their soft texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they are in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze cookies individually in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm.

What to Serve with Italian Ricotta Cookies?

These delightful sweets create a wholesome meal experience that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies, waking up the palate.
Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of a strong brew complement the subtle vanilla and citrus notes, elevating your dessert experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Letting a scoop of creamy vanilla melt over the warm cookies creates a decadent treat that’s irresistible on any occasion.
Chocolate Drizzle: A cascade of melted chocolate adds a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ mild sweetness, perfect for true chocoholics.
Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea enhances the cookies’ flavors and offers a comforting, relaxing treat after a long day.
Lemon Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert balances the richness of the cookies while reinforcing the zesty citrus notes they carry.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the cookies introduces a rich, buttery flavor that complements the delicate sweetness, creating a heavenly combination.
Berry Compote: A homemade compote provides a tart contrast, perfectly offsetting the sweetness of the ricotta cookies for an elegant finish.
Cheese Platter: Pairing these cookies with soft cheeses brings a savory note to the table, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Expert Tips for Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Use Full-Fat Ricotta: For the softest texture, choose full-fat ricotta cheese; low-fat versions may dry out the cookies.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Stir just until combined to avoid tough cookies—overworking the dough can develop gluten and affect softness.
Measure Flour Precisely: Too much flour makes cookies dense; spoon and level flour gently instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked for that irresistible moistness.
Cool Before Glazing: Let cookies cool fully to prevent glaze from melting off; glazing while warm will create a runny finish.
Add Zest Fresh: Freshly grated lemon zest brightens flavor beautifully—avoid pre-packaged zest which can lose its aromatic power.

Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of ricotta cheese should I use for these Italian Ricotta Cookies?
I highly recommend using full-fat ricotta for the softest, most tender cookies. Low-fat versions can make the dough too dry and the cookies less moist, so full-fat is the way to go for that irresistible texture.

How should I store Italian Ricotta Cookies to keep them soft?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, place them in the fridge inside a sealed container—they’ll stay good for about a week without drying out.

Can I freeze Italian Ricotta Cookies, and how do I do it properly?
Absolutely! Freeze them individually on a baking sheet for about an hour so they don’t stick together. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

What should I do if my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?
That usually means the dough was overmixed or there was too much flour. Try mixing just until ingredients combine to avoid developing gluten, and spoon flour into your measuring cup, leveling off gently. Also, don’t bake beyond the recommended time; slight underbaking keeps them tender.

Are Italian Ricotta Cookies suitable for pets or those with allergies?
These cookies contain dairy, eggs, and gluten, so they aren’t safe for pets and may not suit those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. For sensitive diets, I’d recommend looking for dairy-free or gluten-free versions or consulting a specialist.