The best Italian cookies recipe

Often prepared for special occasions and holidays like Christmas and Easter, these tasty cookies are perfect anytime!

We love their ultra soft texture and their sweet flavor.

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and gives 4 dozen cookies, they will be quickly eaten.

Ingredients:

Cookies:

• 1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened at room temperature
• 2 cups (450 g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 15 oz (435 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange zest
• 4 and ½ cups (517.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Frosting:

• ¼ cup (65 ml) butter, melted
• 2 cups (300 g) caster sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) thick cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Insutrctions

To make cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar at medium speed.

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

Add eggs and beat again.

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

Add ricotta and mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Add vanilla extract and orange peel and mix.

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

In another bowl, whisk together flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients (one cup at a time) on low speed until a dough is formed.

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

Place the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing each portion of dough (the dough will puff up during cooking).

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies. When the cookies are cooked, the bottom edges will begin to turn slightly golden.

Remove from baking sheet and place on a cooling rack to cool completely before putting on the glaze.

To make the icing:

Mix the melted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and until no more lumps.

Add a little more milk or cream to obtain the desired consistency, if necessary. The icing should be neither too thick nor too liquid.

Spread the icing on the biscuits.

Image source: Facebook screenshot / Wishes and Dishes

If desired, add sprinkles of your choice before the icing dries, then allow to fully harden before serving.

Notes:

The cooking depends on the size of the cookies and your oven. Take a look at the cookies a few times during cooking. They should not be overcooked to keep their soft texture.