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These Italian Christmas cookies, also called Ricotta Cookies, are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They are made with just a few simple ingredients and come together in no time. These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or gifts, and everyone will be asking for the recipe. Let’s get started!
Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)
These soft, cake-like cookies with sweet, simple icing are a classic Italian favorite. These are so delicious that you can never have just one! They’re a traditional holiday treat and a lot of fun to make. It’s an excellent recipe to prepare ahead because the dough can be made two days in advance, which is perfect for adding to your holiday baking list. It has these colorful sprinkles on top that are ideal for the festive mood. Therefore, cozy up in your favorite warm corner with your favorite hot chocolate beverage, a sweater, and some freshly baked ricotta cookies.
Pantry Staples
You can never go wrong with recipes that are easy, fewer ingredients and do not require too much effort to make. These Italian Christmas Cookies are the perfect example. Made using pantry staples like flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, and ricotta cheese, you can easily whip up a one-holiday dessert that I’m sure will be a total hit for everyone.
Variations and Substitutions
Though these ricotta cookies are made to make holidays special, you can still enjoy these goodies all year round. Serve it on different occasions by changing the toppings and sprinkles according to your celebration. Perhaps make it more special by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits? The key is to have this recipe as your base, and you can start experimenting according to your preference.
Storage
For storage, put the baked Italian Christmas Cookies in a jar or other container with a tight lid. They will stay moist and soft for a week if you store them in a cool place on your cupboard or counter. However, if your kitchen is warm, I recommend putting it inside the fridge instead. Also, keep in mind that the sprinkles may begin to bleed the next day or two; to prevent this, ice the cookies right before serving.
You can freeze these cookies for up to three months for longer shelf life. If you’re going to freeze the cookies, wait to add icing. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes after thawing them in the refrigerator overnight, then add icing and sprinkles.
Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the icing:
- 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp butter softened
- 2-3 tbsp milk add more as needed
- Christmas sprinkles for toppings
Instructions
Make the cookies:
- Set the oven to 350°F. Prepare large half-sheet baking pans and line them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Place it aside.
- Combine salt, flour, and baking soda in a small mixing bowl and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter for two to three minutes or until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to whip the cream for two to three minutes more until frothy.
- Whip while adding the egg gradually until thoroughly mixed. Put vanilla and ricotta cheese in. Blend until smooth.
- Incorporate all the dry ingredients and continue to mix them until just combined.
- Scoop up 1 spoonful of dough using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet two inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms become golden brown, but the tops are still pale in color.
- After 5 minutes, carefully remove the cookies from the baking pan and place them on a wire rack to cool entirely.
Make the icing:
- Cream butter and confectioners' sugar in a medium mixing bowl for two minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of milk after adding it. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time if the icing is too thick and additional sugar if it is too runny.
- You can either spread the frosting on the cookies or invert them and dip them in. While the icing is still wet, put the cookies back upright on the wire rack and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
Nutrition
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To Wrap It All Up
Now that you know how to make Italian Christmas Cookies Ricotta Cookies, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Invite some friends over, crank up some festive tunes, and bake until your heart’s content. These cookies are bound to get you into the holiday spirit. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process as much as the finished product. Buon Appetito!
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