The Best Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe You’ll Crave Every Time

Megan

The Guardian of Family Flavors

October 6, 2025

The moment I baked my first batch of Italian Ricotta Cookies, my kitchen was filled with a heavenly blend of vanilla and citrus zest that made waiting absolutely impossible. These cookies are unlike any other—soft, tender, and just the right level of sweetness, thanks to the creamy ricotta cheese mixed right into the dough. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat after a long day or looking to impress friends with something unexpectedly delightful, this recipe delivers every time. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing at family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Let me take you on a little culinary trip to Italy with each bite of these melt-in-your-mouth gems!

Why love Italian Ricotta Cookies?

Irresistible texture: Italian Ricotta Cookies are uniquely soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth thanks to creamy ricotta cheese in the dough. Simple to make: This recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Delightful flavors: The blend of vanilla and citrus zest creates a sweet, aromatic experience that’s truly unforgettable. Versatile treat: Ideal for family gatherings, casual snacks, or gifting, these cookies always impress. Comfort with a twist: They satisfy cravings with a homemade touch, far from the usual fast-food fare.

Italian Ricotta Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Ricotta cheese – Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, most tender Italian Ricotta Cookies.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure; sift to keep the dough light and airy.
Granulated sugar – Balances the richness of ricotta with just the right sweetness.
Egg – Acts as a binder, giving the cookies their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly for a soft, cakey bite.
Vanilla extract – Adds warm, comforting aroma that complements ricotta beautifully.
Lemon zest – Brightens the dough with fresh citrus notes for that signature Italian flavor.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate sweetness.

For the Glaze

Powdered sugar – Creates a glossy, sweet coating that adds an irresistible finishing touch.
Lemon juice – Adds a hint of tang, balancing sweetness with a fresh zing in the glaze.
Milk or water – Adjust glaze consistency for perfect drizzling or spreading.

How to Make Italian Ricotta Cookies

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir into ricotta mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Shape cookies: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and space them at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets for even spreading.
Bake to perfection: Bake cookies at 350°F for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers feel set but still soft to the touch.
Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, keeping them tender.

For the Glaze:

Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of milk until smooth, creamy, and pourable.
Glaze cookies: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Place on rack to set for about 15 minutes.

Optional: Garnish with extra lemon zest or colorful sprinkles.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Ricotta Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and rolling it into balls. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Just glaze them right before serving for that fresh, delightful finish—your family will enjoy them just as much as if they were made that same day!

Italian Ricotta Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies and make them your own!

Lemon Boost: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor that brightens each bite.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed cookies for a rich, decadent touch that pairs beautifully with ricotta.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or almonds into the dough for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of these cookies.
Spice It Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for chilly days.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative, such as almond or coconut yogurt, to make these cookies dairy-free while retaining a similar texture.
Adding Fruit: Toss in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough for a sweet surprise with every bite, creating an even fun experience.
Herbal Note: Experiment with herbs like finely chopped fresh basil or mint in the dough for a refreshing twist that surprises your palate.
Different Sweeteners: Swap granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness offering a slightly different flavor profile and moisture.

The possibilities are endless, and each variation promises to bring a new dimension to these classic Italian Ricotta Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Italian Ricotta Cookies

Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.

Fridge: For extended freshness, keep cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container, though this may slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, ensuring they stay tender and delicious.

Expert Tips for Italian Ricotta Cookies

Use whole milk ricotta: For the creamiest texture, avoid low-fat ricotta which can make cookies dry and crumbly.
Don’t overmix dough: Stir just until ingredients combine to keep the cookies tender and soft. Overmixing develops gluten and toughens them.
Measure flour carefully: Too much flour can dry out the dough. Spoon and level flour rather than scooping directly from the bag for accuracy.
Space cookies well: Leave at least 2 inches between dough balls to prevent merging during baking and ensure even cooking.
Cool before glazing: Make sure cookies are completely cool to help the glaze set properly without melting or sliding off.
Store airtight: Keep your Italian Ricotta Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth charm.

What to Serve with Italian Ricotta Cookies?

Indulging in Italian Ricotta Cookies opens up a world of delightful pairing options that elevate your dessert experience.

Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite even more satisfying.
Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a burst of freshness that contrasts the soft, tender cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside for a dreamy dessert experience. The cool, creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cookies, enhancing their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing, tangy treat cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, providing a palate-cleansing experience with each bite.
Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea adds a calming touch and complements the citrus notes in the cookies beautifully.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over the cookies adds a luxurious touch, creating a decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
Almond Biscotti: For a lovely Italian-inspired pairing, enjoy these crunchy cookies alongside your ricotta treats for a delightful texture contrast.

Italian Ricotta Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my ricotta cheese is fresh enough for Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Fresh ricotta should be creamy and smooth without any sour smell or watery separation. Avoid ricotta with dark spots all over or an off-odor, as this indicates spoilage and will affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.

Can I store Italian Ricotta Cookies at room temperature? If yes, for how long?
Absolutely! Store your fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful—perfect for enjoying within a few days of baking without refrigeration.

What is the best method to freeze Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Very! First, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm (about 1–2 hours). Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Stored this way, they’ll keep their tender texture and fresh taste for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen cookies at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness.

Why did my Italian Ricotta Cookies turn out dry or crumbly, and how can I fix it?
Dry or crumbly cookies often mean too much flour was added or the dough was overmixed. To avoid this, always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, and mix the dough just until it comes together—no more! Using whole milk ricotta and not overbaking also helps keep these cookies soft and tender.

Are Italian Ricotta Cookies safe for pets or suitable for people with dairy allergies?
These cookies contain ricotta, a dairy product, so they’re not safe for pets like dogs or cats, which are lactose intolerant. Also, they’re not suitable for those with dairy allergies. For dairy-free options, I recommend exploring specialized vegan ricotta alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary significantly.