Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cakey Texture: The addition of ricotta cheese creates a moist, tender crumb reminiscent of a light cake.
Bright Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest infuse the cookies with a zesty, citrusy punch.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make preparation a breeze.
Versatile Decoration: Customize with colored sprinkles or zest for a festive touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained if wet
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Allow the glaze to set before

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 40

Directions

Orange Ricotta Cookies: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a citrus twist.
Almond Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Chip Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for added texture and

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?

Yes, but whole milk ricotta provides a richer flavor and texture.

Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese?

If using fresh ricotta, it’s best to drain any excess liquid to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to the glaze until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish.

Can I use a different citrus fruit?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with orange or lime zest and juice for a different flavor

How do I store leftover glaze?

Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios into the dough before baking.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the bright flavors of lemon. Their soft, cake-like texture and sweet glaze make them a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.