Name: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour; 250 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese; 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Soft italian lemon ricotta cookies bring a burst of zesty sunshine to your dessert plate.

Memories of nonna’s kitchen dance through these delightful treats.

Sweet crumbs melt effortlessly on your tongue with each delicate bite.

Bright citrus notes complement the creamy ricotta’s rich texture perfectly.

Whispers of vanilla and lemon zest create a delicate harmony in every cookie.

Powdered sugar dusting adds a playful touch to these irresistible morsels.

Making Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Step 3: Mix Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend butter and sugar until super fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Moisture Ingredients

Stir in:

Egg
Ricotta cheese
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Vanilla extract

Mix until silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stop mixing as soon as everything looks incorporated.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Drops

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets. Space cookies 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into oven. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges look set and bottoms turn golden.

Step 8: Cool Down Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 9: Create Tangy Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until glossy and smooth.

Step 10: Finish with Glaze

Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Sprinkle extra lemon zest for pizzazz.

Step 11: Set and Serve

Wait 15 minutes for glaze to set. Enjoy your bright, lemony treats!

Tips for Getting Ricotta Cookies Just Right

Zest Up Your Baking: Ensure fresh lemons provide the most vibrant citrus flavor for maximum taste impact.
Prevent Tough Cookies: Mix dry and wet ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies dense and chewy.
Glaze Like a Pro: Wait until cookies are completely cool before adding lemon glaze to prevent running and achieve a perfect smooth finish.
Achieve Perfect Texture: Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg to create a smooth, consistent cookie dough that bakes evenly.
Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, delicate texture.

Save and Reheat Your Lemon Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 3-4 minutes to restore soft texture.
If freezing glazed cookies, wait until glaze completely sets before stacking to prevent sticking. Gently separate cookies when thawing.

Perfect Pairings for Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Brew a light, refreshing lemon or Earl Grey tea that complements the cookies' bright citrus notes and enhances their delicate lemon flavor.
Scoop creamy, smooth vanilla gelato alongside these cookies to balance the tangy lemon and provide a luxurious, cool contrast.
Pour a chilled prosecco mixed with a splash of limoncello, creating a zesty, bubbly drink that echoes the cookies' lemony essence and adds a festive touch.
Prepare a light mascarpone cream dip with a hint of honey, offering a silky, decadent companion that softens the cookie's crisp texture and adds depth to the overall taste experience.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender while maintaining the delicate lemon flavor.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and ricotta with cashew-based ricotta cheese, creating a plant-based alternative that keeps the cookie's creamy texture.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar and reduce the glaze's sugar content, making a lighter cookie that still delivers bright citrus notes.
Vegan Alternative: Swap egg with a flax egg, use plant-based butter and dairy-free ricotta alternative, keeping the classic lemon essence while making the recipe completely plant-based.

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies Common Queries

Why use ricotta cheese in these cookies?

Ricotta adds incredible moisture and a light, soft texture to the cookies, making them incredibly tender and giving them a delicate, cake-like consistency that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes.

How can I tell if my cookies are properly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and set bottoms. The cookies should appear soft but not wet, and they’ll continue to set slightly as they cool on the baking sheet for those first 5 minutes.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 weeks. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.

What if I don't have fresh lemon zest?

While fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor, you can use dried zest or omit it entirely. The lemon juice will still provide a bright, citrusy taste to your cookies.

Why Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies Are a Holiday Hit

Bursting with bright lemon notes from fresh juice and zest, these cookies deliver a tangy, refreshing taste that dances on your palate.
Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from kids to experienced home cooks.
Ideal for morning coffee gatherings, afternoon tea parties, potlucks, or casual family desserts with their elegant yet approachable charm.

Ingredients List for Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and base for the soft, tender cookies.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create a light texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender crumb.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Ricotta Cheese: Creates soft, tender texture with a subtle creamy taste.
Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, fresh citrus flavor to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complementary flavor.

Glaze Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze topping.
Lemon Juice: Thins the glaze and adds tangy citrus flavor.
Lemon Zest (Optional): Provides extra burst of citrus and decorative touch.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe for Heavenly Treat