Lemon Ricotta Cookies

The first time I baked Lemon Ricotta Cookies, I was mesmerized by the aroma wafting through my kitchen. It was a sunny afternoon, and I had decided to experiment with some ingredients I had on hand. Ricotta cheese, lemons, and a few pantry staples were all I needed to create a batch of cookies that would soon become a family favorite. As I blended the ingredients together, I couldn’t help but feel the anticipation of those sweet, zesty cookies coming together. They reminded me of the fragrant lemon trees in my grandmother’s garden, and I knew that every bite would bring a little piece of sunshine to our table.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Creating the perfect Lemon Ricotta Cookies starts with the right ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in the final result, providing flavor, texture, and sweetness. The key players in this recipe are fresh lemons, creamy ricotta, and just the right amount of sugar that balances the zingy citrus notes.

• Granulated Sugar: This is the primary sweetener, providing the necessary sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.
• Zest of 2 Lemons: The zest adds a concentrated lemon flavor that elevates the cookie’s taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, this flour helps the cookies hold their shape while ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, creating a light texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, ensuring the cookies are well-balanced.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and moisture, making the cookies soft and tender.
• Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping to bind all the ingredients together.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show, ricotta cheese gives the cookies a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and acidity, complementing the sweet elements beautifully.
• Sifted Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, this sugar creates a sweet, smooth topping that enhances the cookie experience.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Additional zest for the glaze to ensure that zesty flavor shines through!

Putting Together Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Making Lemon Ricotta Cookies is a breeze, and you’ll love how quickly they come together! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy in no time.

1. First, preheat your oven to 375° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden color. While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and the zest of 2 lemons. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until it becomes fragrant. This step releases the essential oils from the zest and intensifies the lemon flavor.

3. Now, take another medium bowl and whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prepare them for the wet mixture.

4. In a large bowl, combine the unsalted butter and the lemon-sugar mixture. Using a KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer, beat these ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aeration is key to achieving the right cookie texture.

5. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, which is crucial for the structure of the cookies.

6. Then, add the whole milk ricotta cheese and fresh lemon juice. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy mixture that smells divine.

7. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies.

8. Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, using about 2 tablespoons for each cookie. This will give you uniform cookies that bake evenly.

9. Now, bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden at the edges. The cookies will continue to firm up after being removed, so don’t overbake!

10. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 20 minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up and makes transferring them easier.

11. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon until smooth. This creates a luscious topping that enhances the cookies.

12. Once the cookies are cool, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze. Ensure they’re well coated for that extra zing of lemon flavor!

13. Finally, place the cookies on a wire baking rack or wax paper and allow the glaze to harden before serving. This step is crucial for that perfect finish!

Substitutions and Tips

While I love the classic version of Lemon Ricotta Cookies, there are some great tips and substitutions to enhance your baking experience.

• Storage: Store cookies at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these cookies! Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.
• Variations: Try adding poppy seeds or blueberries for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or as a light dessert after dinner.
• Experiment: You can also adjust the sugar levels based on your taste preference. More zest can also enhance the lemon flavor.

Serving This Lemon Ricotta Cookies

When it comes to serving Lemon Ricotta Cookies, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them! Here are some suggestions:

• Perfect for Tea Time: These cookies are an excellent accompaniment to your afternoon tea, providing a refreshing balance to the warmth of the beverage.
• Ideal for Picnics: Pack them for a picnic as they transport well and are loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Great for Celebrations: Serve them at birthdays or other celebrations. Their bright flavor adds a festive touch.
• With Coffee: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat or afternoon snack.
• Gift Giving: Consider packing them in a decorative box as a sweet gift for friends and family.
• Seasonal Occasions: These cookies shine in the spring, making them a great addition to springtime gatherings or Easter celebrations.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Lemon Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a unique texture with refreshing flavor. They are perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it! Celebrate the joy of baking and enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or with a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Looking for the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? These Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. Ideal for any occasion, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Make them tonight and experience the joy of homemade cookies!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 36 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 110

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Granulated Sugar
• Zest of 2 Lemons
• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter
• 2 large Large Eggs
• 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
• 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 ½ cups Sifted Powdered Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
• Zest of 1 Lemon

Equipment

• KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
• Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
• Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet Pans

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Mix with your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant. Set aside.
3. In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl combine the butter and lemon sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing until they are fully incorporated.
6. Add the ricotta cheese and lemon juice and mix until incorporated.
7. Stir in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
8. Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake cookies in preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 20 minutes.
11. While cooling, prepare the lemon glaze by combining powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest and whisk until smooth.
12. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze.
13. Place cookies on a wire baking rack or wax paper and allow the glaze to harden before serving.

Notes

• Makes about 3 dozen cookies: This recipe yields a generous amount, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
• Storage: Store cookies at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container with pieces of parchment or waxed paper between layers for up to 3 months.

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Meet Zara Knight

I founded Zest Home Recipes because I believe home cooking should never be boring. My mission is to wake up your palate with recipes that are vibrant, easy, and full of life. I personally cook, photograph, and approve every dish on this site to ensure it brings a spark of joy and a burst of flavor to your kitchen table.