Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze

Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze

These delightful Italian Ricotta Cookies with almond glaze are a cherished holiday tradition, perfect for Christmas celebrations! Soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration
• Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
   Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed cookies upright on the wire rack.
10. Decorate:
    Immediately sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
11. Set and Serve:
    Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian Ricotta Cookies! Notes:

• For best results, glaze only the cookies you plan to serve immediately. Store unglazed cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
• These cookies can be made a few days in advance and will stay fresh. Nutrition Information (per cookie):
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 17mg
• Sodium: 34mg
• Sugar: 9g

Enjoy these delightful cookies as part of your holiday festivities!”