Citrus Ricotta Cookies

Tender, tangy and subtly sweet. These delicious little pillows are perfect for Spring.  The ricotta makes the cookies tender and adds a little tang, and the gentle hint of citrus in these cakey cookies is enhanced by the sweet citrus glaze.  With a little work, I think you could shape the dough into an egg shape for Easter, and can of course tint the glaze.

Citrus Ricotta Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

15 ounces ricotta cheese

Zest and juice of one medium orange

Zest and juice of one lemon

Zest and juice of one lime

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the ricotta cheese and beat until smooth.  Add the citrus zest and ¼ cup of the combined citrus juices.  Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda and beat into the ricotta mixture. Drop by rounded spoonfuls (I use a cookie scoop) onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. You’ll need to cool the cookie sheets and repeat for four batches.

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and browned around the edges.  Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Glaze:

Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a small bowl and slowly whisk in enough of the remaining mixed citrus juice (about ¼ cup) to make a glaze, or frosting.  These cookies are delicious with a thick layer of frosting or a thin, sweet glaze.

Makes 48 cookies