Soft, moist, and delicately sweet, ricotta cookies are an Italian-inspired treat made with creamy ricotta cheese, flavored with vanilla or citrus, and topped with a light glaze for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Published August 13, 2025

Ishara98

Ratings 05

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What The Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies are soft, cake-like cookies made with ricotta cheese, which gives them a moist, tender texture and a delicate flavor.

They’re an Italian-American classic, often lightly sweetened, flavored with vanilla or citrus, and topped with a simple glaze (sometimes with sprinkles for a festive touch).

Because of the ricotta, these cookies stay soft for days, unlike crisp or crunchy cookies. They’re especially popular during Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings.

Health Benefits Of Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies are definitely more of a treat than a health food, but thanks to the ricotta cheese, they do have a few small nutritional perks alongside the indulgence.

Possible Health Benefits of Ricotta Cookies:

Source of Protein – Ricotta cheese contains some protein, which supports muscle maintenance and repair.

Calcium for Bone Health – Ricotta is rich in calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

Energy Boost – The sugar and flour provide quick energy, which can be helpful for occasional pick-me-ups.

Mood-Boosting Treat: Serotonin, the “feel-good” glutamate, could be released in response to sweet foods.

Customizable for Better Nutrition – You can make them slightly healthier by reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or adding citrus zest for antioxidants.

That said, ricotta cookies are still high in sugar, butter, and refined flour, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips for Making Ricotta Cookies

Here are some useful tips for making perfect ricotta cookies:

Use Whole-Milk Ricotta – Whole-milk ricotta makes the cookies richer and more tender than part-skim versions.

Drain Excess Moisture – If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine mesh sieve for 15–20 minutes. Too much liquid can make the dough too soft.

Don’t Overmix – Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.

Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and room-temperature egg help the batter mix evenly and create a uniform texture.

Scoop Evenly – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make uniform-sized cookies so they bake evenly.

Watch Baking Time Closely – Cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still pale on top; overbaking makes them dry.

Cool Fully Before Glazing: Warm cookies may become runny when glazed. Let cookies cool on a cooling rack first.

Flavor Variations – Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) or a touch of almond extract to enhance flavor.

Storage: Shop in the fridge for up to a week or at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.

FAQ Ricotta Cookies

Here’s a helpful FAQ for Ricotta Cookies:

01. What Do Ricotta Cookies Taste Like?

They’re soft, moist, and slightly sweet with a delicate, creamy flavor from the ricotta. Often lightly flavored with vanilla or citrus, they’re tender and melt in your mouth.

02. Can I Use Part-Skim Ricotta?

Yes, but whole-milk ricotta gives a richer, more tender cookie. If using part-skim, drain any excess moisture for best results.

03. How Long Do Ricotta Cookies Last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last 3–4 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week.

04. Can I Freeze Ricotta Cookies?

Yes! Freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Before glazing or serving, just let it thaw at room temperature.

05. Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different—still soft, but a bit less tender.

06. Can I Skip The Glaze?

Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own. Glaze adds sweetness and a decorative touch but is optional.

07. Can I Add Flavors Or Mix-Ins?

Indeed! Almond extract, dried fruit, lemon or orange zest, or mini chocolate chips all work well.

08. How Do I Make Them Extra Soft?

Use room-temperature ingredients, don’t overmix the dough, and slightly underbake—they’ll stay soft as they cool.

Ricotta Cookies

@cookinglanka

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 80

Ingredients

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)

For The Glaze

1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (or lemon juice for a tangy glaze)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add ricotta, egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and beat until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden (cookies will stay soft and pale).
Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing.
For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or spread over cookies, then add sprinkles if desired.
Let glaze set before serving or storing in an airtight container.