Description
These cloud-soft ricotta cookies feature a delightful zesty sparkle from lemon and warm vanilla flavor, delivering a tender texture perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe is ideal for family desserts or quick, impressive treats, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, for tender texture (part-skim option)
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (plant-based option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in the ricotta cheese and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing until just combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in the fresh lemon zest.
- Drop Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1.5-2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill dough for 15 minutes to aid scooping and prevent spreading. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 baking blend. Reduce sugar by 0.25 cup for a less sweet cookie. Always use fresh lemon zest; avoid bottled. A hand mixer works perfectly well. If dough is too stiff, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Part-skim ricotta can be used for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35 g)
- Calories: 170 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
Keywords: ricotta cookies, lemon zest, easy dessert, family recipe, vanilla, soft cookies, baking, beginner-friendly, sweet treat, homemade