Why You’ll Love Ricotta Cheese Cookies Recipe
These ricotta cookies stand out for their soft, pillowy texture that stays moist for days. The ricotta adds richness without making the cookies heavy, while the lemon glaze provides a bright, sweet finish that balances every bite.
They’re easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, require minimal chilling time, and bake quickly. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a casual weekend treat, they’re reliable, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough to customize with different flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cookies
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
ricotta cheese
lemon juice
lemon zest
vanilla extract or almond extract
For the glaze
powdered sugar
lemon juice
milk or cream (if needed for consistency)
sprinkles (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the ricotta cheese and mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
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Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla or almond extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Chill the dough in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up slightly.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set.
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Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
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For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice (and a small amount of milk if needed) until smooth.
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Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes per batch
Total time: About 45–50 minutes
Variations
Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for added sweetness and texture.
Orange Ricotta Cookies: Replace the lemon juice and zest with fresh orange juice and zest for a softer citrus flavor.
Almond Ricotta Cookies: Use almond extract instead of vanilla and top with sliced almonds before baking.
Holiday Sprinkle Cookies: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or on top of the glaze for festive occasions.
Glaze-Free Version: Skip the glaze and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a more subtle sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you prefer them slightly warm, heat in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes to refresh their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta produces a richer, softer cookie. Part-skim may result in a slightly less tender texture.
Do I need to drain the ricotta first?
If your ricotta is very wet, draining it briefly will help prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The dough may be too warm. Chilling it helps control spreading during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The bottoms should be lightly golden, and the tops should look set but still soft.
Can I make these cookies without citrus?
Yes, you can omit the lemon and use vanilla or almond extract alone for a more classic flavor.
Why are my cookies dense instead of soft?
Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The glaze typically sets within 1–2 hours at room temperature.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well for larger gatherings or holiday baking.
Conclusion
Ricotta cheese cookies are a wonderfully soft and flavorful treat that combine simple ingredients with impressive results. Their moist texture and bright glaze make them ideal for holidays, celebrations, or everyday baking. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite addition to your cookie collection.
