Name: Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; Sprinkles (optional)

Soft, almond-scented, and kissed with a touch of citrus, these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are the kind of treat that brings a smile with every bite. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and finely ground almonds, they strike a beautiful balance between tender and chewy. The outside is just crisp enough to hold a light icing, while the inside stays moist and rich.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just need a little something sweet with your coffee, this cookie checks every box. They’re easy to whip up, require no chill time, and can be dressed up with sprinkles or enjoyed in their simple, elegant glory.

These cookies have all the charm of a traditional Italian bakery treat, but they come together with minimal effort at home. The ricotta keeps them wonderfully moist, while almond extract and zest brighten the flavor. They’re perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or sneaking from the fridge at midnight.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?

Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the best texture. It’s creamier and less watery than part-skim, which means your cookies will bake up soft and tender instead of dry. If your ricotta has extra moisture, a quick drain in a mesh sieve for 10-15 minutes helps prevent overly wet dough.

Ingredients for the Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Every ingredient in these cookies adds something essential to their flavor and structure. Let’s take a look:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Ricotta cheese (whole milk)
Egg
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
Orange zest
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Powdered sugar
Milk
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

How To Make the Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until fluffy and pale. This step creates a soft base and introduces air for a light texture.

Step 2: Add the Ricotta and Flavorings

Mix in the ricotta, almond extract, vanilla, and orange zest. The ricotta adds moisture while the extracts and zest infuse every bite with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. It helps bind the dough and adds richness.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Bake

Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool before icing.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a thick glaze. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies or drizzle over them. Add sprinkles while the glaze is wet if desired.

How to Store and Serve These Cookies

These Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for 5-6 days. The flavor deepens slightly after a day, making them even more irresistible. They feed about 24 people depending on cookie size, and are perfect for dessert platters, tea-time spreads, or holiday exchanges.

What to Serve With Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

Their soft, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the boldness of espresso or a cup of strong coffee.

Lemon Sorbet

Add a zesty contrast to these tender cookies by serving them alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet.

Vin Santo or Dessert Wine

Traditionally served with Italian cookies, a sip of sweet wine enhances the almond and citrus flavors.

Vanilla Gelato

The cool, creamy texture of vanilla gelato makes an elegant and indulgent pairing.

Hot Chocolate

On chilly nights, enjoy a couple of these cookies dipped into a rich cup of hot cocoa.

Fruit Platter

Serve with fresh berries and sliced pears for a balanced and colorful dessert board.

Cheese Board

Include a few of these cookies on a dessert-inspired cheese board with ricotta, almonds, and dried apricots.

If you love these Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies, here are more cookie recipes to try next:

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for warm cinnamon sugar and creamy centers.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey nostalgic treat.
Lemon Truffles Recipe if you love bright, citrusy bites.
Classic French Butter Cookies for a delicate, crisp finish.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies if you’re craving creamy and tart in a mini package.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use lemon instead of orange zest? Did you add extra almond extract for punch?

I love hearing how others make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Italian Almond Ricotta Cookies are soft, flavorful, and endlessly delightful. With their rich yet light crumb and beautifully fragrant icing, they bring a special charm to any occasion. Bake a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Buon appetito!”

Why You’ll Love This Italian Almond Ricotta Cookie