Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies are soft and sweet treats that feature a delightful ricotta cheese filling sandwiched between two tender cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a unique twist on traditional sandwich cookies!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

For the Ricotta Cream Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Timing

Making Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cream Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Fill Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the ricotta cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
2. Repeat: Continue until all cookies are filled.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies immediately or refrigerate them for a firmer filling. Enjoy these delightful treats!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies (per cookie, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	4g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Different Fillings: Experiment with flavored extracts (like almond or orange) in the ricotta cream filling for a unique twist.
• Decorative Touch: Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Conclusion

Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies are a delightful and unique treat that combines the creaminess of ricotta with soft, sweet cookies. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!