Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Prepare yourself to fall in love! These Lemon Ricotta Cookies were phenomenal!

Participants of Cookie Carnival chose this recipe from Giada DeLaurentis for the July cookie and a great choice it was. The recipe was easy to make, made a ton of cookies that were still delicious days later, and required nothing more exotic than a handful of lemons and ricotta cheese. The lemon is the star of the recipe with roles in both the cookie and the glaze but the ricotta is the behind-the-scenes ingredient that gives these cookies their soft texture and rich flavor. The cookies are very cake-like and were loved by everyone in my house.

I love the slightly tart lemon glaze and that they were simultaneously simple yet sophisticated. I highly recommend you make these cookies as soon as possible!

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Giada DeLaurentis

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

Glaze:
Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours.