Indulge in Soft and Sweet Ricotta Pistachio Cookies
Ricotta Pistachio Cookies are a delightful Italian-inspired treat that combines creamy ricotta cheese and crunchy pistachios. These cookies are light, tender, and melt in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or preparing a quick dessert for family, these cookies are sure to impress. The subtle almond, vanilla flavor and the smooth glaze make every bite a sweet and satisfying experience.
The addition of ricotta cheese is what sets these cookies apart from typical recipes. It gives the cookies a soft and moist texture while keeping them light and fluffy. Chopped pistachios not only provide a nutty flavor but also add a satisfying crunch. Topped with a simple glaze and more pistachios, these cookies look as good as they taste. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this a go-to recipe for beginner and experienced bakers alike.
A Nutty Twist on Classic Italian Baking
Italian desserts are known for their simplicity and rich flavors, and these Ricotta Pistachio Cookies are no exception. Ricotta, a staple in Italian cooking, adds creaminess and moisture to the dough. When combined with butter and sugar, it creates a silky-smooth base for the cookies. The almond and vanilla extract enhances the flavors, giving the cookies a subtle aromatic quality. Chopped pistachios bring a nutty richness and a vibrant green color, making these cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious.
The glaze is the finishing touch that takes these cookies to the next level. Made with powdered sugar and milk, it’s quick and easy to prepare. Dipping each cookie in the glaze and sprinkling pistachios on top adds both sweetness and texture. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want to elevate your cookies to bakery-level quality.
How to Make Ricotta Pistachio Cookies Like a Pro
Making these cookies is simple and rewarding. Start by beating butter, ricotta cheese, and sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add an egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Fold in the chopped pistachios for a pop of flavor and texture.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once cooled, dip the cookies into the glaze and sprinkle them with chopped pistachios for added crunch and visual appeal. These cookies are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Soft Ricotta Pistachio Cookies Recipe – Italian-Inspired Delight
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese whole
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 stick Butter room temperature
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
- 1 3/4 cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Pistachios chopped
- 1 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar for glaze
- 1/2 cup Milk for glaze
- to taste Pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, ricotta, and sugar together until creamy.
- Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.