Soft and tender Lemon Ricotta Cookies with a bright, tangy lemon glaze. These cookies are perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:165 minutes
Yield:24-30 cookies 1x
Ingredients
Scale
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
Zest of 2 lemons
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon milk
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes on medium speed).
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest: Gently fold in the drained ricotta cheese and lemon zest. Be careful not to overmix.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop and Shape the Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of the cookies into the lemon glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the cookies.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the glazed cookies with lemon zest, if desired.
Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack and let the glaze set completely before serving or storing (about 30 minutes to an hour).
Notes
Don’t overmix the dough.
Chilling the dough is crucial.
Drain the ricotta cheese well.
Adjust the glaze consistency as needed.
Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.