Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies: Soft, Nutty Bites in 20 Minutes Recipe
These Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are soft, nutty bites that combine creamy ricotta cheese with almond flavor and a delicate crumb. They bake up fluffy and moist, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Perfect for a quick and elegant homemade treat ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (500 g) ricotta cheese (whole-milk)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ricotta, Sugar, and Butter: Beat together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. If using, stir in the sliced almonds at this stage.
- Portion the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn a pale golden color indicating doneness.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the ricotta cheese is whole-milk and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Sliced almonds add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a softer cookie.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Keywords: Italian ricotta cookies, almond ricotta cookies, soft cookies, nutty cookies, quick dessert, Italian dessert, almond extract cookies
