Festive Italian Ricotta Cookies with Sweet Icing
Experience the delightful traditions of the Italian holiday season with these soft and flavorful Ricotta cookies. Perfectly moist and bursting with flavor, these festive cookies are not only simple to make but also beautiful when adorned with colorful sprinkles. Each bite offers a delicious blend of sweet ricotta and classic vanilla, making them a beloved treat for gatherings and celebrations. Their vibrant presentation and rich taste are bound to make them a favorite at your holiday table, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile and a sweet memory.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) carton (full-fat)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1 teaspoon
butter
1/4 cup (softened for frosting)
confectioners' sugar
3-4 cups (to taste)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (for frosting)
milk
3-4 tablespoons (to adjust frosting consistency)
colored sprinkles
to taste (for decoration)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Festive Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, moist, and flavorful cookies traditionally served during the Italian holiday season.
What makes these ricotta cookies soft?
The inclusion of full-fat ricotta cheese in the dough ensures the cookies are perfectly moist and have a cake-like texture.
Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?
While you can use part-skim, the recipe recommends full-fat ricotta for the best moisture and flavor.
How much butter is needed for the cookie dough?
The cookie dough requires 1 cup of softened butter.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 3 large eggs at room temperature for this recipe.
What size carton of ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce carton of ricotta cheese.
Is vanilla extract used in these cookies?
Yes, pure vanilla extract is used in both the cookie dough and the sweet frosting.
How much flour does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What leavening agent is used?
Baking soda is used as the leavening agent in this recipe.
Is salt necessary in the dough?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness of the ingredients.
Does the frosting contain butter?
Yes, the frosting uses 1/4 cup of softened butter for a rich and creamy texture.
How much confectioners' sugar is in the frosting?
The frosting uses between 3 to 4 cups of confectioners' sugar, adjusted to your preferred taste.
How do I adjust the consistency of the frosting?
You can use 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to adjust the frosting to your desired thickness.
What can I use to decorate these cookies?
Colored sprinkles are recommended to give the cookies a festive and beautiful appearance.
Are these cookies good for holiday gift-giving?
Yes, their vibrant presentation and rich taste make them a favorite treat for holiday gatherings and gifts.
What temperature should the eggs be?
The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
How much vanilla is in the dough versus the icing?
The dough uses 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, while the icing uses 1/2 teaspoon.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients including the components for the cookies and the icing.
Can I make these cookies for occasions other than Christmas?
Absolutely, while popular for the holidays, these sweet treats are perfect for any celebration or gathering.
What flavor profile do these cookies have?
These cookies offer a delicious blend of sweet ricotta and classic vanilla.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The butter should be softened, not melted, for both the dough and the frosting.
Do these cookies have a glaze or frosting?
These cookies are finished with a sweet icing made from butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Yes, you can use any variety of colored sprinkles to match the specific holiday or occasion.
How is the ricotta cheese prepared?
The ricotta is used directly from the 15-ounce carton, ideally using a full-fat variety.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Typically, you would cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together.
Are these cookies hard or soft?
These cookies are known for being very soft and moist rather than crunchy.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
Yes, these cookies are a part of delightful traditions from the Italian holiday season.
How much milk is needed?
You will need 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to achieve the right icing consistency.