Few cookies capture the feeling of old-world comfort quite like Italian Ricotta Cookies. Light, pillowy, and delicately sweet, these traditional cookies are beloved for their soft cake-like texture and rich flavor—thanks to one special ingredient: ricotta cheese.
The ricotta keeps these cookies incredibly moist without making them heavy, giving them a tender crumb that stays soft for days. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze and decorated with festive toppings like candied cherries, colorful sprinkles, or sparkling sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Often found on Italian holiday cookie trays, at weddings, and during special family gatherings, Italian Ricotta Cookies are a timeless classic that deserves a spot in every baker’s recipe box.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Ricotta Cookies
Exceptionally soft and moist
Mild, lightly sweet flavor everyone loves
Perfect for decorating
Stay fresh for days
Great for holidays, showers, and celebrations
Easy, no-fuss dough
These cookies are simple, elegant, and wonderfully nostalgic.
Recipe Overview
Yield: About 4 dozen cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Cookies
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole-milk preferred)
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Optional Decorations
Chopped candied cherries
Colored sanding sugar
Candy sprinkles
Step-by-Step
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar and softened butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
This step is essential—it creates air in the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture.
3. Add Ricotta, Eggs, and Vanilla
Beat in the ricotta cheese until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
The batter will look creamy and slightly loose at this stage—this is exactly what you want.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the leavening evenly, ensuring uniform rise.
5. Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough should be soft, thick, and slightly sticky—do not overmix.
6. Scoop the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will puff slightly but won’t spread much.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and very lightly golden on the bottom. The tops should remain pale and soft.
Avoid overbaking—these cookies should stay tender and cake-like.
8. Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important before glazing so the glaze sets properly.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thick but fluid enough to drizzle or spread easily.
If needed:
Add a little more milk to thin
Add more powdered sugar to thicken
Glaze and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or drizzle glaze over each cookie. Immediately decorate with your desired toppings—candied cherries, colored sugar, or sprinkles—before the glaze sets.
Let the glaze dry for about 30–60 minutes until firm to the touch.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week (bring to room temp before serving)
Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months
Layer cookies with parchment paper to protect the glaze.
Flavor Variations
Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for citrus flavor
Use almond extract instead of vanilla
Top with chocolate sprinkles or crushed nuts
Tint the glaze with food coloring for holidays
Perfect For…
Christmas cookie trays
Easter and weddings
Baby showers and parties
Italian family gatherings
Gifting and sharing
Final Thoughts
These Italian Ricotta Cookies are the definition of soft, delicate perfection. With their moist texture, subtle sweetness, and classic glaze, they’re cookies that feel both comforting and special. The ricotta ensures they stay tender for days, while the decorations allow you to make them as festive or elegant as you like.