Introduction to Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Welcome to the delightful world of Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies! If you’re like me, you know that life can get busy, and sometimes we need a quick solution for a sweet craving. These cookies are soft, delicate, and lightly sweet, making them the perfect treat to impress your loved ones or simply enjoy with a cup of coffee. The subtle almond flavor dances on your taste buds, while the powdered sugar dusting adds a festive touch. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
These Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are a dream come true for any home cook! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 40 minutes from start to finish. The taste? Oh, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! With their soft texture and delightful almond flavor, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they make for a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients for Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese gives the cookies their soft texture. Make sure it’s well-drained for the best results.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create that fluffy dough we all love.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential! It balances the flavors and contributes to the cookie’s lovely golden edges.
- Large egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture, making the cookies tender.
- Almond extract: A little goes a long way! It infuses the cookies with a delightful almond flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, vanilla extract works beautifully too.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sliced almonds: These are for topping, adding a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, this adds a sweet finishing touch that makes the cookies look bakery-fresh.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, ricotta cheese, and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the large egg and almond extract. Beat until everything is well combined. The almond extract is what gives these cookies their signature flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using vanilla extract for a different twist!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. I usually do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Now comes the fun part—shaping the cookies! Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread slightly while baking, creating that lovely shape.
Step 6: Top with Almonds
Before baking, gently press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie. This not only adds a beautiful touch but also gives a nice crunch. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra almond goodness?
Step 7: Bake
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 8: Cool & Dust
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack. After they’ve cooled completely, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This final touch makes them look like they came straight from an Italian bakery!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ricotta is well-drained to avoid soggy cookies.
- For a fluffier texture, cream the butter and sugar longer until light and airy.
- Don’t skip the almond extract; it’s the star of the show!
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients. Any size will do!
- Electric mixer: Great for creaming butter and sugar, but a whisk works too if you’re feeling strong!
- Baking sheet: A standard one is perfect, or use a stoneware pan for even baking.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Cookie scoop: Helps with uniform cookie sizes, but a tablespoon works just fine!
Variations
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the almond flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Nut-Free: Omit the sliced almonds and replace almond extract with vanilla for a nut-free version.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies with a steaming cup of espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and dust with extra powdered sugar.
- Enjoy them with a glass of sweet dessert wine for a sophisticated pairing.
FAQs about Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese for these cookies?
While you can use low-fat ricotta, I recommend sticking with whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor. The richness really makes a difference in these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for a fresh batch of Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies!
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing, feel free to use vanilla extract instead. It will give the cookies a milder flavor while still being delicious!
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! You can easily make these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the blend for the best results!
Final Thoughts
Making Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in your kitchen. The joy of mixing the ingredients, the delightful aroma wafting through your home, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they take that first bite are priceless. These cookies are a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making them a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just indulging in a quiet afternoon, these cookies will surely bring warmth and happiness to your day. Happy baking!
Print
Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat!
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, delicate, and lightly sweet with a subtle almond flavor—these Italian cookies are topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar for a festive bakery-style finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk, well-drained)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract for milder flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter, ricotta, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Beat in egg and almond extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into wet mixture until dough forms.
- Shape Cookies – Scoop dough into heaping tablespoons and drop onto prepared sheet (they will spread slightly).
- Top with Almonds – Press a few sliced almonds gently on top of each cookie.
- Bake – Bake 15–18 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Dust – Let cool on a rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure ricotta is well-drained for the best texture.
- For a milder flavor, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15–18 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
