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To make Lemon Ricotta Cookies, you will need some simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a quick list of what you'll need: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - Zest of 2 lemons - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Using fresh lemon juice and zest gives these cookies a bright flavor. Ricotta cheese adds a soft texture that makes the cookies light and fluffy. If you can, use high-quality ingredients. This choice can really make a difference in the taste. For the best results, measure your ingredients carefully. Baking is a science, and precise measurements lead to great cookies. If you want to try something different, you can even add chocolate chips or nuts to the mix. Remember, this is just a snapshot of what you'll need. For the full recipe, follow the steps outlined later in the article. Enjoy your baking journey with these delightful cookies! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect bake. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Next, we need to cream the butter and sugar together. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Now, let's combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add ricotta cheese, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and sticky. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Following these steps will help you create soft, delightful lemon ricotta cookies. Enjoy this delicious treat! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get that soft and fluffy texture, be careful when mixing. Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the dough comes together. This keeps your cookies light and airy. Letting the cookies cool properly is key. After baking, leave them on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and avoid breaking. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they stay soft and chewy. Want to boost flavor? You can add more lemon zest. Just a teaspoon more can make a big difference. Or try a splash of almond or vanilla extract for a twist. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a nice touch. Use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle it evenly. This gives your cookies a pretty finish and extra sweetness. For a fun twist, add some lemon zest on top after dusting. It looks great and tastes even better. {{image_2}} You can make Lemon Ricotta Cookies even better! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Just fold them into the dough before you scoop the cookies. This adds a nice crunch and richness. You can also switch up the flavors. Instead of lemon, try orange zest and juice. Almond extract can add a nice twist too. These small changes can make your cookies unique! If you need a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just replace the regular flour with your chosen alternative. Make sure to check the blend for baking powder and soda. Some mixes already have these ingredients. This way, you will still get those fluffy cookies you love! To keep your Lemon Ricotta Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. The cold air helps maintain their soft texture. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before eating. This makes them taste great again! If you want to freeze these cookies, it's easy! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, take out the cookies. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. This way, they will taste fresh and soft again. Enjoy your Lemon Ricotta Cookies anytime! For the full recipe, check the original instructions above. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and scoop it onto baking sheets. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. This method helps the flavors meld and keeps the dough fresh. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? To prevent spreading, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps your cookies thick and soft. Use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform in size, which also helps with even baking. What are the best ways to serve Lemon Ricotta Cookies? Serve these cookies on a lovely platter. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair them with fresh lemon slices or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cookies shine at gatherings and are great with tea or coffee. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese. This change will still yield soft cookies. The texture may be slightly different, but they will taste great. What are some dairy-free alternatives? For a dairy-free option, try using almond or coconut yogurt instead of ricotta. Ensure the yogurt is thick to maintain the cookie’s soft texture. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute in the recipe. This blog post detailed the ingredients, steps, and tips for making Lemon Ricotta Cookies. You learned how to achieve the perfect texture and enhance flavor with easy tricks. I offered variations, including gluten-free options and delicious add-ins. Proper storage methods help keep cookies fresh. With these insights, you can bake delightful cookies that impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy your baking journey!

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Looking to impress with a delicious treat? Try these Lemon Ricotta Cookies! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor, these delightful cookies are easy to bake and perfect for any occasion. Discover my simple recipe, helpful tips, and creative variations to take your cookie game to the next level. Ready to bake something special? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a sweet journey in the kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

Zest of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

      Add the ricotta cheese, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft.

            Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

              Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra sweet touch.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 24 cookies

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative platter, sprinkle with more lemon zest, and serve with additional lemon slices for a fresh and inviting display. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!