Description
Bring the essence of classic Italian baking into your kitchen with these soft and irresistible Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies. Perfectly moist from creamy ricotta cheese and enriched with the delicate fragrance of almond extract, these cookies offer a sweet treat with a light bite. Finished with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re after quick breakfast bakes, elegant dessert ideas, or easy recipe favorites for gatherings, these cookies fit every occasion. Ideal for holiday cookie platters, afternoon coffee breaks, or sweet snacks anytime.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream the ricotta cheese, butter, and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop, roll into balls, and place on the sheet 2 inches apart.
8. Press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie.
9. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and tops are cracked.
10. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
Make sure to chill the dough; it prevents cookies from spreading and helps with shaping.
Room temperature ingredients blend better and improve the cookie texture.
Don’t overbake—edges should just be golden for soft, moist centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg