🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🍋 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🍋 Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 🍬 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🍋 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 🍋 Zest of 1/2 lemon for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Make the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
- Combine and Scoop:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Lemon Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flavor and a pop of color.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🧈 Butter Alternative: Use half butter and half cream cheese for an even softer cookie.
- 🌱 Herbal Twist: Add a hint of fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a unique flavor.
- 🍫 Chocolate Option: Drizzle with white chocolate for a creamy and sweet finish.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot tea or a glass of chilled lemonade for a refreshing treat. They’re also a perfect addition to a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Lemon Ricotta Cookies are irresistibly soft, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. The creamy ricotta and tangy lemon glaze create a perfect balance of sweetness and zest, making these cookies a standout dessert for any occasion.
