Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, tender cookies that are infused with bright lemon flavor and made moist with ricotta cheese. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing taste that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for garnish)

Timing

Making Lemon Ricotta Cookies takes about 15 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 a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy and smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, 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 look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 4: Glaze the Cookies

1. Glaze: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve these delightful Lemon Ricotta Cookies at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Ricotta Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	130
Protein	2g
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	9g

Tips for Customization

• Add Poppy Seeds: Incorporate poppy seeds into the dough for a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor.
• Different Citrus: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a different citrus twist.
• Add a Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are a delightful and refreshing treat that perfectly balance sweetness and citrusy brightness. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them an excellent choice for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!