There’s something truly magical about these Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe that feels like a warm hug during the holiday season. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s remarkably soft and moist, thanks to creamy ricotta cheese working its charm in the dough. Topped with a delicate almond-scented glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and a festive sparkle, these cookies beautifully blend tradition with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re sharing them with family or bringing them to a party, they’re sure to become a beloved holiday staple that everyone reaches for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and festive feel of your Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe. From the richness of ricotta to the subtle almond essence in the glaze, these components work together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides creamy richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (1 cup): The secret to that irresistibly soft, moist crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for the cookie’s structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right lift for a tender bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the smooth almond glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy dipping and coating.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Delivers that unmistakable nutty aroma that makes these cookies unique.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): Adds cheerful holiday color and crunch.
How to Make Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for baking your cookies evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring perfectly golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air, which is essential for that soft, delicate texture you’ll love in your final cookies.
Step 3: Add Ricotta, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the whole milk ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until smooth and fully incorporated to build that wonderfully moist and tender cookie base.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning in every bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently and just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so be gentle to maintain that soft texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops have set but still feel soft. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Almond Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more milk if needed – you want it fluid but not runny. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, then gently return them to the rack. Quickly sprinkle festive sprinkles on top while the glaze is still wet, giving your cookies that extra holiday charm.
How to Serve Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the classic festive touch, but you can also try finely chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar after the glaze sets. These options add a lovely crunch or an extra layer of sweetness, making every bite a joyful experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a cozy spiced tea to complement their almond notes and creamy texture. They also shine alongside a festive cheese platter or a bowl of seasonal fruit to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe on a tiered holiday cookie platter, or wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also place them in decorative tins with parchment paper layers to impress friends and family with your thoughtful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled and glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday week or sharing with guests over time.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead of time, freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, enjoy these cookies as is. If desired, warm them for about 5-7 seconds in the microwave for a soft, just-baked feel. Avoid reheating with the glaze for too long, or it could soften and lose its pretty finish.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with something else?
While ricotta is crucial for that uniquely soft texture, you can try substituting with mascarpone or cream cheese, but expect a slightly different flavor and firmness. Ricotta remains the best choice for authentic moistness.
Can I use lemon extract instead of almond in the glaze?
Absolutely! Lemon extract gives a fresh, bright twist to the glaze, creating a lovely variation. Many people enjoy swapping between almond and lemon depending on their mood or the occasion.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe remain soft and flavorful for up to 5 days. Beyond that, they might start to dry out.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Definitely. The glaze adds a delightful sweet almond finish, but the cookies are delicious on their own, especially if you prefer something less sweet or want a simpler treat.
Can I decorate with something other than sprinkles?
Yes! Chopped nuts, small drizzles of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar are wonderful alternatives that complement the almond glaze or cookie flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that brings warmth, softness, and a touch of Italian charm to your cookie platter, these Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe are a must-try. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and loved by everyone who tastes them. I can’t wait for you to share these with your loved ones and enjoy the smiles they spark!
Print
Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze combine tender ricotta-enriched dough with a sweet almond-flavored glaze, creating a moist, delicate dessert perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, beating until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set but remain soft to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Almond Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk if needed, aiming for a thick but dip-able texture.
- Glaze Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the almond glaze, then return them to the wire rack. Optionally, decorate with festive sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set fully before serving or storing the cookies to ensure a smooth finish.
Notes
- These cookies remain soft and moist for several days, making them ideal for gifting or holiday cookie trays.
- You can substitute lemon extract for almond extract in the glaze for a different citrus flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
