Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Name: Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 227 grams unsalted butter, softened; 350 grams granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 425 grams ricotta cheese, full-fat recommended; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 500 grams all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 60–75 millilitres milk; 180 grams powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; sprinkles, as desired, for decorating

Author: Lora

Published: November 20, 2025

Print Recipe

Introduction to Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my cherished recipe for Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies. Imagine a delightful cookie that melts in your mouth, infused with the creamy goodness of ricotta and the warm embrace of almond flavor. It’s the perfect indulgence for a busy day or a sweet treat to impress your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up these delicious cookies. Trust me; they are bound to become your new favorite! Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

You’ll adore these Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies for so many reasons! First off, they’re incredibly easy to make, even when you’re juggling a million things. Their light, fluffy texture is simply divine, and the almond flavor delivers a lovely punch. Plus, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings or treat yourself during a cozy night in. Who doesn’t love cookies that taste like they belong in a bakery, right?

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Let’s gather our stars for this Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that one-of-a-kind flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: The creamy base that gives cookies a rich flavor and tender crumb. Always use softened butter for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener adds the sugar rush we all crave while contributing to texture.
Large eggs: Binding agents that add moisture and richness to the dough.
Ricotta cheese: The star of the show, making these cookies delightfully moist and giving a subtle tang. Always opt for full-fat for the best results!
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that elevates the overall taste of the cookies.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies, it develops the structure and helps them rise.
Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures our cookies have a lovely lift. You can’t skip this!
Baking soda: Works hand in hand with baking powder, helping the cookies spread just right.
Milk: A touch of liquid needed for the glaze, it ensures the consistency is just perfect.
Powdered sugar: The key ingredient for our sweet glaze, offering that signature glossy finish.
Almond extract: This enhances the almond flavor and adds depth to every bite. Go easy; a little goes a long way!
Sprinkles: Optional but definitely fun! They add a festive touch that makes these cookies pop.

For exact measurements of each ingredient, check the bottom of the article where they are laid out for you to print. Now, let’s jump into making our cookies!

How to Make Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Ready to dive into the delightful world of Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! This step-by-step guide will ensure your cookies come out perfect every time. Trust me, it’s easier than it seems, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 175°C (about 350°F). This helps the cookies rise evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, or you can leave them ungreased. Either way works, but parchment makes for easy cleanup!

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is your cookie base, and getting it airy is crucial for that divine texture!

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Now, add the eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract to your fluffy butter mixture. Blend everything until it’s smooth and fully combined. The ricotta adds a lovely, moist feel that you’ll absolutely adore!

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which means perfect cookies every time!

Step 5: Combining Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, being careful not to overdo it. We want to keep everything light and fluffy for that melt-in-your-mouth finish!

Step 6: Portioning the Dough

Time to shape your cookies! Using about one teaspoon of dough for each cookie, roll them into balls. Arrange these little gems on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) between them. They need space to spread!

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

Pop your baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for about 3 minutes. It’s so hard to wait, but trust me—it’s worth it!

Step 8: Making the Glaze

While your cookies are cooling, let’s make the delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and almond extract until it’s smooth and fluid. This glaze is the icing on the cake—er, cookie!

Step 9: Decorating the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the tops into the glaze, and then get creative with sprinkles! Scatter them on before the glaze sets to add a colorful touch. Your Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies are now ready to impress!

Tips for Success

Always use softened butter for easy creaming and a flawless texture.
Don’t overmix the dough! It’s key to keeping the cookies light and airy.
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring them to a rack to prevent breakage.
Customize your glaze! Adjust the milk for a thicker or thinner consistency.
Experiment with sprinkles or even nuts for a fun twist!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: Use one large bowl and one medium bowl. You can also use measuring cups if you don’t have mixing bowls!
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, but a whisk can work in a pinch!
Baking sheets: Standard cookie sheets are ideal, but a roasting pan will do if you’re in a bind!
Parchment paper: Makes clean-up easy, but aluminum foil will also work.
Wire rack: Perfect for cooling cookies, but you can use a plate in a pinch!

Variations of Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest for a fresh, zesty twist that brightens the flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and a more robust flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
Almond Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a richer almond flavor and softer texture.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

With Coffee: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of espresso or coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
On a Platter: Arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit, like berries or citrus slices, for a colorful presentation.
For Tea Time: Pair with a light herbal tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Gift-Worthy: Pack them in a cute box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Chilled Treat: Store in the fridge for a refreshing snack during warm days!

FAQs about Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies

Got questions about making these delicious Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too, navigating the world of baking and wondering about the best practices. Here are some of the most common questions I’ve encountered, answered just for you!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before shaping.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies can last in an airtight container for up to a week. However, I can guarantee they won’t last that long because they’re too good!

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

While you can use low-fat ricotta cheese, I strongly recommend full-fat for these cookies. The richness and moisture contribute significantly to their melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can! After baking and cooling them completely, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What other flavors can I incorporate?

The sky’s the limit! You can add a splash of citrus zest, swap almond extract for something like vanilla, or even throw in some chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Let your imagination run wild!

Final Thoughts

Making Italian Ricotta Almond Cookies is not just about whipping up a batch of treats; it’s an experience filled with warmth, joy, and delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen. Each cookie you create is a little piece of love, ideal for sharing with friends and family or savoring all on your own. These cookies make even busy days feel special. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure. Trust me, once you bake these ricotta almond gems, they’ll become a cherished recipe you keep coming back to time and time again!