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Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, tender cookies infused with lemon zest and ricotta cheese, which gives them a moist, almost cake-like texture. They are finished with a simple lemon glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and tang.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter – 1 stick (½ cup), softened
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ¾ cups
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Ricotta cheese – 1 (15-ounce) container (whole milk ricotta)
  • Lemon zest – 2 tablespoons (from 2 lemons)
  • Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar – 1 ½ cups
  • Fresh lemon juice – 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add the Wet Ingredients:

  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Scoop and Bake:

  • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.

Cool the Cookies:

  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice, if needed.

Glaze the Cookies:

  • Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired, for a decorative touch.
  • Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.