Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, you’re going to adore this Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe. These cookies are beautifully tender thanks to the ricotta cheese, melting in your mouth with every bite. The almond glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and that lovely hint of nuttiness, while the red and green sprinkles bring the perfect Christmas cheer to your holiday table. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite that you’ll keep going back to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in the final flavor, texture, and presentation, making this recipe delightfully straightforward yet rich with tradition.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed without weighing the cookies down.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps give the cookies a gentle lift, keeping them soft and airy.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: The secret to the tender, moist crumb that makes these cookies unique.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to richness and tender texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty essence that complements the glaze.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The base for the silky smooth glaze topping.
• 2 tbsp milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Sprinkles extra almond flavor into the glaze for a true Italian touch.
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration: Brings joyful, festive color to each cookie.

How to Make Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep helps ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick — a small step with a big payoff.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these aside separately keeps them from clumping, so when added to the wet ingredients, your dough blends smoothly and consistently.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until you get a pale, fluffy mixture. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air, resulting in light, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These add moisture and those signature flavors that make this Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe unforgettable. By combining these now, your dough will have a creamy and fragrant base.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make your cookies tough, which is the last thing you want when you’re aiming for a soft, tender bite.

Step 6: Portion Out Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Give each cookie about 2 inches of space so they can spread a bit without merging, allowing for nicely rounded, pretty shapes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden. This subtle coloring tells you they’re perfectly baked—soft in the middle with a delicate crust. Once out, cool them completely on a wire rack before moving on to glazing.

Step 8: Prepare the Almond Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until you get a silky, creamy glaze. This luscious finish will give your cookies that signature sweet touch with a nutty twist every bite deserves.

Step 9: Glaze Your Cookies

Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing the cookie upright on a wire rack. This ensures a smooth coat without pooling, making every cookie look effortlessly elegant.

Step 10: Decorate Festively

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles. This joyful step brings out the Christmas spirit and adds a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.

Step 11: Set and Enjoy

Give the glaze time to set before indulging. Watching these Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe come to life in your kitchen is part of the fun, and the payoff is pure holiday happiness in every bite.

How to Serve Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few slivered almonds on top of the glaze can elevate these cookies even further, adding texture and making every bite feel like a special treat. Fresh rosemary sprigs nearby on the serving plate add festive aroma and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft delights with a warm cup of espresso, chai tea, or even a cozy glass of milk. The creamy ricotta and almond glaze flavors balance perfectly with hot beverages that provide a comforting contrast, especially during chilly winter days.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a classic holiday-themed platter. Layer cookies with sprigs of holly or cinnamon sticks for a touch of festive charm that makes your presentation just as memorable as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed and fully set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long because everyone loves them so much!

Freezing

You can freeze uneaten cookies without glaze by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely and apply the almond glaze fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked softness, warm the cookies briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to melt the glaze too much. This little trick restores that just-baked feeling and makes every bite feel like it’s coming from your own Italian bakery.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

While whole milk ricotta delivers the creamiest texture, part-skim ricotta can be used in a pinch. The cookies might be slightly less rich but will still turn out soft and delicious.

Is there a substitute for almond extract if I have allergies?

You can substitute lemon zest or vanilla extract for the almond extract to maintain a lovely aroma and flavor without the nutty note. The cookies will still be delightful and festive.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature and gently reshape the cookies before placing them on the baking sheet.

What is the best way to get the glaze smooth and lump-free?

Be sure to sift your powdered sugar before mixing and whisk thoroughly with milk and almond extract. This technique ensures your glaze is silky and spreads beautifully without clumps.

Are these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

This particular Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. However, you could experiment with dairy-free ricotta alternatives and gluten-free flour blends to meet dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing Soft Ricotta Italian Christmas Cookies with Almond Glaze Recipe during the holiday season. Their tender crumb, delicate almond flavor, and cheerful glaze make them a standout treat that brings smiles and warmth to any gathering. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s not just a cookie but a delicious tradition in the making!

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