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Recipe

Italian-Inspired Easter Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Bake soft lemon ricotta cookies for Easter with a thin citrus glaze. Includes ricotta draining, dough chilling, baking cues and refrigerated storage.

Lemon cheese cookies — illustrative serving photograph
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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup (185 g) whole-milk ricotta, excess liquid drained
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, for dough
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, for glaze
  • 1 1/2–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, for glaze

Instructions

  1. If the ricotta has visible liquid, drain it in a fine sieve in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, then weigh 185 g. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
  2. Beat butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until creamy. Beat in egg, then ricotta, lemon zest, the tablespoon of dough lemon juice and vanilla. Scrape the bowl so no dense butter mixture remains at the bottom.
  3. Fold in the flour mixture just until no dry streaks remain. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350°F / 175°C and line two baking sheets with parchment.
  4. Divide into 24 rounded portions, approximately 33 g each, leaving 5 cm between portions. Keep the second tray chilled while the first bakes. Bake each tray for 12–15 minutes until the bases and edges are lightly golden and the tops are set, not wet.
  5. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely. Stir powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons glaze lemon juice; add the remainder a few drops at a time only if needed for a thick drizzle.
  6. Spoon a thin layer of glaze over each cool cookie and let set for about 15 minutes. Arrange in a single layer for serving, then refrigerate leftovers in a covered container.

Ricotta gives these lemon cookies a soft, cake-like crumb rather than a crisp snap. A small spoonful of lemon glaze adds a bright finish. This original Italian-inspired Easter bake uses ordinary supermarket ricotta; draining visible liquid is important because brands vary in moisture.

Texture and timing

These are soft cake-like cookies. Do not bake until the tops become deeply brown. Total time includes chilling, two tray bakes, cooling and glazing; very wet ricotta may require additional draining time.

Storage

For conservative handling of these moist ricotta cookies, refrigerate covered within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Separate layers with parchment once the glaze sets. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months for best quality.

Measuring lemon

Use only the yellow zest, not the bitter white pith. Measure juice rather than assuming one lemon supplies an exact amount. Bottled juice can work in the glaze, but fresh zest gives the dough its aroma.

Frequently asked questions

Can I substitute cottage cheese?

Not directly. Its curds and moisture change the dough. Use ricotta for the stated quantities and texture.

Why did my cookies spread?

Warm butter, overly wet ricotta or insufficient chilling can contribute. Drain visible liquid, weigh the flour and keep unbaked portions chilled.

Nutrition and recipe notes

This original recipe has not been kitchen-tested. Nutrition is an approximate editorial estimate per stated serving, not a laboratory analysis or independently verified calculation. Brands, portions and substitutions change the values.

Allergens: Wheat; Milk; Egg. Check product labels.

Per serving

Nutrition facts

Serving size: One glazed cookie (estimated)

Calories
125
Total fat
5 g
Saturated fat
3 g
Cholesterol
21 mg
Sodium
60 mg
Total carbohydrate
18 g
Dietary fiber
0.3 g
Total sugars
10 g
Protein
2.5 g

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