Ricotta cookies recipe
Course: Cookie, DesertsRicotta cookies, with their airy texture that seems to melt as soon as they hit your mouth, offer a delightful treat without the heavy guilt. These cookies, blending the richness of ricotta and the zestiness of lemon, clock in at a reasonable calorie count, making them a smarter choice for those watching their intake. The use of ricotta, a cheese known for its protein content and lower fat compared to other cheeses, adds a healthful twist, providing a nice protein boost and calcium for strong bones.
Historically, the use of ricotta in desserts dates back to ancient Rome, where it was prized for its versatility and nutrition. This recipe, with its simple yet tasteful combination of ingredients, carries forward a tradition of Italian baking that focuses on the purity of flavors and the joy of sharing.
The process involves creaming together butter, sugar, and then adding ricotta, which is key to the cookies’ unique texture and slight tang. A hint of lemon zest brings a bright note, balancing the sweetness perfectly. After a chill in the fridge, the dough is ready to be baked into golden treats. The finishing touch, a lemon glaze, not only adds a layer of sweetness but also an attractive sheen, making these cookies as pretty as they are delicious. Whether it’s a nod to historic culinary traditions or a smart choice for a treat, these cookies stand out as a testament to the delicious simplicity of Italian baking.
Ingredients
85 g (3 oz) softened butter
175 g (6.2 oz) sugar
1 egg
200 g (7.1 oz) ricotta
15 g (0.5 oz) vanilla sugar
1 tsp baking powder
180 g (6.4 oz) flour
1 tsp lemon zest
- For the glaze
35 ml (1.25 oz) lemon juice
110 g (3.9 oz) powdered sugar
Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Using a mixer, combine together butter, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add egg and mix until smooth, then add ricotta cheese and mix again.
- Separately mix flour and baking powder.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients.
- Place the dough you’ve got in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Line a tray with baking paper. Form cookie balls and place them about 5cm apart. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C° (350 F) for 30 minutes.
- Mix lemon juice and powdered sugar.
- When cookies are ready, cool them down to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Apply frosting and sprinkles if desired.
- The cookies turn out airy and melt in your mouth.
