Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies

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The holiday season is a magical time, isn’t it? It brings to mind the comforting aroma of cookies baking in the oven and the anticipation of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. One of my fondest memories is of being in the kitchen with my grandmother, rolling out soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies. These delightful little bites of joy were always a holiday staple in our home, their tender texture and sweet, creamy frosting a testament to the simple pleasures of life. Today, I want to share this recipe with you, bringing a bit of that warm nostalgia into your own kitchen.

These Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are more than just a festive treat; they embody the essence of Easy Peasy Recipes. First, they’re incredibly simple to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules but still special enough to make everyone feel cherished. Second, the ingredients are straightforward and accessible—you might already have them in your pantry! Third, they offer a wonderful way to get the whole family involved in the baking process, creating precious memories along the way. Finally, their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

As we embark on this baking adventure together, I’ll guide you through each step with love and care, ensuring that your cookies turn out perfectly every time. So grab your apron, and let’s make some magic!

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

When the winter chill sets in, nothing warms the heart quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies. These Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are a celebration of tradition, family, and joy. They’re the cookies that will have your friends and family reaching for seconds, and their festive appearance makes them a stunning addition to any holiday table. The ricotta adds an unexpected creaminess to the cookie, making each bite a delightful surprise. Plus, they’re versatile! Customize them with your favorite sprinkles or add a hint of lemon or almond extract for a personal touch.

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Their light golden hue and the colorful burst of sprinkles make them a festive centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or attending a holiday potluck, these cookies are sure to impress. Another reason they should grace your table is their storied tradition. They connect us to the past, allowing us to share a piece of cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these delightful cookies requires just a few kitchen essentials, making it easy peasy for even the most novice bakers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: A large one for combining ingredients and a medium one for the dry components. Opt for glass or stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning.
• Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar to fluffy perfection. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer will do the job efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurement. Accuracy is key in baking, so ensure your measurements are level.
• Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes the transfer to cooling racks seamless.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: To portion out the dough evenly. A medium-sized scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Wire rack: To cool the cookies completely before frosting. This step prevents the frosting from melting off.

With these tools at your side, you’ll be well-equipped to bring this recipe to life! Investing in quality kitchen tools can enhance your baking experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

INGREDIENTS

Cookies:
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 2 cups sugar
– 3 large eggs, room temp
– 1 (15 oz) carton ricotta cheese
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp baking soda

Frosting:
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 3–4 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 3–4 tbsp 2% milk (adjust for consistency)
– Holiday sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5–7 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, as it incorporates air into the batter.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add ricotta and vanilla; mix until smooth. The ricotta should be fully integrated, creating a creamy mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so blend gently.
4. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. This spacing prevents the cookies from merging as they expand.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks. The cookies should be firm to the touch but not overly browned.
6. For frosting: Beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a smooth, spreadable texture. Adjust the milk quantity for your desired consistency.
7. Once cookies are cool, frost each one and immediately top with sprinkles. This ensures the sprinkles adhere well to the frosting.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Italian • Preparation Time: 25 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes per batch • Total Time: ~1 hour • Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie • Servings: ~7 dozen

Note: For an extra festive touch, try adding a drop of food coloring to the frosting to match your holiday theme! Experimenting with colors can make the cookies even more visually appealing.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a vital role, not just in flavor but also in creating the soft, tender texture that makes them so irresistible. The ricotta cheese is a star player, lending a subtle richness without overwhelming the palate. It’s also a wonderful source of calcium and protein. Butter provides the cookies with their characteristic softness, while the sugar balances the mild tang of the ricotta with a comforting sweetness. Vanilla extract and sprinkles add delightful notes of flavor and fun, making these cookies as joyful to eat as they are to make.

The choice of all-purpose flour ensures a light, airy texture, while the eggs contribute to the structure and moisture of the cookies. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and achieve their desired fluffiness. Each component, from the creamy ricotta to the sweet frosting, complements the others, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are sure to delight.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

These cookies shine on their own, but pairing them with a few other treats can create a delightful holiday dessert spread. Consider serving them alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, Easy Peasy Eggnog, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a spiced tea or coffee, making them a versatile addition to any festive gathering.

For a more elaborate dessert table, consider adding some fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, to balance the sweetness of the cookies. You could also serve them with a platter of assorted cheeses and nuts for a sophisticated twist. The mild flavors of the cookies make them an ideal counterpart to a range of other holiday treats, allowing you to create a customized experience for your guests.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

Once baked, these cookies stay soft and delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container. If you find yourself with more cookies than you can enjoy at once, they freeze beautifully! Simply layer them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.

Imagine the joy of pulling out a batch of these cookies on a chilly January afternoon, bringing a bit of holiday magic into the new year. Or, use them as a base for a fun kitchen project with kids by decorating them with new frosting and sprinkles. The possibilities are as endless as the smiles they’ll bring.

In the end, these Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies aren’t just about the taste; they’re about the memories created while baking and sharing them. I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your home, just as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is an act of love, and these cookies are a sweet expression of it.