The Best Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe: Delightful Holiday Treats
Discover the irresistible charm of The Best Ricotta Christmas Cookies Recipe. These soft and tender cookies, infused with the subtle richness of ricotta, create a holiday treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With their unique flavor profile, they quickly become a festive favorite for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies boast a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s unlike any other holiday treat. The incorporation of ricotta cheese not only adds a distinct creaminess but also keeps the cookies exceptionally moist. Perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners, the easy-to-follow recipe ensures a successful batch every time. Moreover, they can be customized with different flavors or toppings to suit various preferences and occasions.
In addition, these ricotta Christmas cookies are a fantastic way to add a special touch to your holiday dessert table. Their understated elegance makes them a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea, making every festive gathering even more memorable.
Context/Background
Dating back to Italian culinary traditions, ricotta-based desserts have long been cherished for their smooth texture and subtle sweetness. Ricotta cookies leverage these qualities to deliver a distinctive festive treat that elevates holiday baking. The method of incorporating cheese into sweet dishes reflects Italian ingenuity, resulting in cookies that offer both tradition and innovation in every bite.
These cookies showcase the versatility of ricotta cheese, often used in savory dishes, now transformed into a sweet, creamy indulgence capturing the essence of holiday celebrations.
Recipe Details
Serves: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the lemon zest.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Perfect Ricotta Christmas Cookies
- Ensure the butter is fully softened to achieve a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
- Lemon zest adds a refreshing flavor dimension; you can adjust the amount to taste.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to drop even-sized dough rounds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these delightful ricotta cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or holiday mulled wine to enhance the festive flavors. They also make a charming addition to a holiday cookie platter, alongside other seasonal favorites.
Storage and Leftovers
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To extend their freshness, you can also freeze them for up to a month, ensuring they remain a festive treat well into the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
The Best Ricotta Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and tradition. Their soft, tender texture and subtle zestiness make them an irresistible addition to any festive gathering. Make a batch, share with loved ones, and create delightful holiday memories that everyone will cherish.
Recipe Notes
- For a different twist, substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy variation.
- Top the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Experiment with adding finely chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste.