Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

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Soft, pillowy, and bursting with almond flavor, Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to brighten any table. These cookies have an irresistibly moist crumb thanks to creamy ricotta cheese, and a delicate almond glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. They feel festive and comforting all at once, making them ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy afternoons with tea.

These cookies come together with minimal effort and no chilling time, so they’re great for spontaneous bakers. They store beautifully and the flavor deepens after a day, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert. Whether you grew up with ricotta cookies or are trying them for the first time, you’ll love how they melt in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies strike the perfect balance between airy and indulgent. The ricotta adds moisture without making the dough heavy, and almond extract gives it a nostalgic, bakery-style taste. These cookies bake up beautifully domed with a tender texture inside and a slight crisp on the bottom. You can glaze and decorate them for any occasion or keep them simple for everyday enjoyment.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use for Ricotta Cookies?

Whole milk ricotta is best for these cookies. It has the richness and creaminess needed to keep the cookies moist and flavorful. If your ricotta is especially wet, drain it slightly before using. Avoid non-fat or low-fat ricotta—they often lack the creaminess required for the cookie to hold together properly. If you can find fresh ricotta from a local market, even better!

Ingredients for the Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. You’ll need pantry basics plus a few specialty ingredients to get that classic flavor and texture.

• Ricotta cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Almond extract
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Almond extract
• Sprinkles (optional, but fun!)

How To Make the Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ricotta cheese and beat until fully combined. Mix in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before glazing.

Step 4: Make the Almond Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Dip each cookie top into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Set the cookies on a wire rack and top with sprinkles while the glaze is wet.

How to Serve and Store Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are delicious served at room temperature with coffee, tea, or after a meal. Their soft texture and almond notes pair well with both light drinks and rich, creamy beverages. This recipe makes about 36 cookies, so it’s perfect for parties or gift boxes.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If stacking the cookies, place parchment between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking. You can also freeze the unglazed cookies for up to a month and glaze them after thawing.

What to Serve With Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies?

Espresso or Cappuccino

The almond flavor sings alongside a strong coffee, making this pairing a morning or after-dinner winner.

Lemon Sorbet

A tart and cold scoop of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s sweetness.

Vin Santo or Amaretto

These Italian liqueurs are natural companions for almond-forward desserts.

Fresh Berries

Serve a platter of strawberries and blueberries for color, freshness, and a light pairing.

Vanilla Gelato

A scoop of vanilla brings out the cookie’s buttery notes.

Warmed Milk with Honey

Especially cozy during colder months, this duo works beautifully with the gentle almond taste.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip these cookies lightly into dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies, check out these other creative bakes:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a chewy-crunchy balance.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies for soft cookies with a rich chocolate center.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies that taste like fall in every bite.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you’re craving something quick and sweet.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for a fruit-forward twist.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding lemon zest or keep it classic with almond? Have a question or variation idea? Share it below!

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Conclusion

Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are a classic with good reason. They’re simple, elegant, and easy to make, yet taste like something from a pastry shop. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to please. Add them to your cookie rotation and enjoy the cozy flavors of Italy in every bite.

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