There’s something truly magical about Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies. These soft, cake-like cookies are incredibly tender, thanks to the addition of creamy ricotta cheese, and they practically melt in your mouth with each bite.
Lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla and citrus, these cookies are the definition of holiday cheer.
But what really makes them special? The luscious vanilla glaze drizzled on top, perfectly complemented by festive sprinkles that make them look as beautiful as they taste.
These cookies are a staple in Italian households during the holiday season, and once you try them, you’ll see why. They’re easy to make, incredibly forgiving, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas cookie exchange, gifting them to friends and family, or just treating yourself with a cozy cup of coffee, these cookies bring the warmth of an Italian Christmas straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delightful Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but adds a lovely brightness)
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most irresistible Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies:
- Preheat and prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 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 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cookies soft and tender. - Add the ricotta and wet ingredients:
Mix in the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and well combined. - Incorporate the dry ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies light and delicate. - Scoop and bake:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffy. - Cool before glazing:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. - Prepare the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed; the glaze should be thick but pourable. - Glaze and decorate:
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies, then immediately top with festive holiday sprinkles. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Tweaks and Additions
Want to put your own spin on these classic Italian Christmas cookies? Here are some fun ideas:
- Citrus twist:
Swap the lemon zest for orange zest or add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor. - Almond lovers:
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone. - Chocolate drizzle:
Instead of (or in addition to) the vanilla glaze, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies. - Festive mix-ins:
Stir in mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor. - Gluten-free option:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly.
These Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday baking lineup. They’re soft, sweet, and full of festive charm, making them a must-have for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa.
Plus, they store beautifully, meaning you can make them ahead and savor their deliciousness all season long.
Have you tried these cookies? Do you have a favorite holiday cookie tradition? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Wishing you a season full of warmth, joy, and of course—lots of cookies!