Name: Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if excessively wet); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 cup lightly toasted sliced almonds (for topping); 0.5 cup fine white powdered sugar (for heavy dusting)

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How to make Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are deliciously soft and flavorful treats. These cookies use ricotta cheese, which gives them a moist texture unlike any other cookie. With a blend of almond and vanilla extracts, they create a beautiful balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients:

0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (drained if excessively wet)
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp kosher salt
0.5 cup lightly toasted sliced almonds (for topping)
0.5 cup fine white powdered sugar (for heavy dusting)

Directions:

Making the Ricotta Cookies

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line multiple baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Ricotta and Egg: Add the ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough may be a bit sticky, that’s normal!
Top with Almonds: Gently press a few lightly toasted sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
Cool Down: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

There are many reasons to love these delightful Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies. First, they are unbelievably soft and chewy, thanks to the ricotta cheese. The cookie has a unique flavor profile, combining sweet and nutty notes from the almonds and extracts. They also make for an excellent treat for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party or treating yourself after a long day. Their light, flavorful nature makes them suitable for pairing with coffee or tea, too.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies bring a bit of nutrition along with their sweetness. Ricotta cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which supports muscle health and strong bones. Unlike many traditional cookies made with just flour and butter, using ricotta adds moisture and reduces the need for excessive fat. Almonds provide healthy fats and fiber, giving these cookies a wholesome feel while still being a treat.

What to Serve With Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies pair wonderfully with many different beverages. Consider serving them with:

A cup of freshly brewed coffee, to enjoy a rich espresso flavor that complements the cookies’ sweetness.
A glass of fragrant herbal tea for a calming effect.
A sweet dessert wine, like Vin Santo, which enhances the flavors and adds a bit of elegance to your dessert spread.

How to Store Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

To keep your Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you plan to keep them longer—up to a week—they can also be refrigerated. For the best taste and texture, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you need to store them for even longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip the Draining: If your ricotta cheese is too watery, make sure to drain it before using it in the recipe. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cookies.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that your baking temperature is accurate, which helps to bake evenly and avoid under-or over-baking.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: It’s crucial to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Variation

Here are a few variations to try if you want to mix things up:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
Citrusy Burst: A little lemon or orange zest in the dough can give the cookies a refreshing flavor.
Herbs and Spice: For a unique taste, consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon for warmth.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese. However, the cookies may be less moist than if you use whole milk ricotta.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! To make Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend has a good binding agent for the best result.

How can I make the cookies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly and dust with powdered sugar only to taste after baking.

These Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience of flavor and comfort. Enjoy baking, and savor every bite!