Introduction
When the holiday season arrives, there are few treats as delightful as Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze. These cookies are a staple in many Italian households, especially around Christmas time. Their light, fluffy texture paired with the almond glaze creates a perfect combination of sweetness and festive charm. I recently made these cookies for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit! My relatives, young and old, couldn’t get enough of them. They’re simple to make, yet they taste incredibly indulgent, making them perfect for sharing during the holidays. The almond glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the ricotta cheese in the dough ensures that the cookies are moist and soft. If you’re looking for a holiday treat that will wow your guests, these Ricotta Cookies with Almond Glaze are an absolute must-try!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the butter is fully incorporated and smooth. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy dough. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense. - Shape the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking. - Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. - Make the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy. - Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies upright on a wire rack to set. - Decorate:
Immediately sprinkle the tops of the glazed cookies with red and green sprinkles to add a festive touch. - Set and Serve:
Let the glaze set before serving. Once the glaze has hardened slightly, your cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
- Sodium: 34mg
- Sugar: 9g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve
These Ricotta Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Arrange them on a decorative holiday platter for a festive display.
- Serve them alongside a variety of other holiday cookies and treats at your next Christmas party.
- Pair them with a hot beverage like mulled wine or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be sure to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to ensure soft, fluffy cookies.
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the best flavor and texture, use whole milk ricotta cheese instead of part-skim.
- Add Zest for Extra Flavor: For a citrusy twist, try adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough.
- Decorate After Glaze Sets: If you’re making these in advance, glaze the cookies and allow the glaze to set before adding sprinkles to ensure they stay vibrant and colorful.
Recipe Variations
While this classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
- Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Replace the almond extract with lemon extract for a zesty variation.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
- Different Glazes: Try a simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Nut Topping: Add crushed pistachios or chopped almonds on top of the glazed cookies for an added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cookies as part of a holiday dessert spread with pies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
- For a unique twist, crumble these cookies over ice cream for a festive dessert topping.
- Pack them in a decorative tin to gift to friends and family during the holiday season.
Freezing and Storage
These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. Here’s how to freeze and store them:
- Freezing the Dough: After shaping the dough, freeze the unbaked cookies on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store the baked and glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before glazing.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen. - Can I use part-skim ricotta?
While you can use part-skim ricotta, whole milk ricotta gives the cookies a richer, creamier texture. - How long do the cookies last?
The cookies stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, mini chocolate chips are a great addition to the dough for a sweeter, more indulgent treat. - What kind of butter should I use?
Use unsalted butter for the best flavor and control over the amount of salt in the recipe. - Can I make these cookies without the almond glaze?
You can make the cookies without the glaze if you prefer a simpler cookie, but the glaze adds an essential sweetness and festive touch. - Are these cookies gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not gluten-free, but you could experiment with a gluten-free flour substitute. - Can I use a different extract in the glaze?
Yes, feel free to substitute almond extract with vanilla or lemon extract for a different flavor. - How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar if you want a thicker glaze, or reduce the milk for a more solid consistency.
Conclusion
Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze are the perfect sweet treat for your holiday celebrations. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and beautifully decorated with a simple almond glaze. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, a cookie swap, or just to enjoy with family, these cookies will surely be a crowd-pleaser. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious batch of festive cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy these with loved ones, and make them part of your holiday traditions!