20-Minute Lemon Ricotta Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Recipe

Introduction

These 20-minute lemon ricotta cookies are soft, tender, and packed with bright citrus flavor. They practically melt in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for any occasion when you want a quick, delightful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Step 5: Stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
7. Step 7: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before glazing or serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the zest and juice.
• You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste and softer texture.
• Try drizzling a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over cooled cookies for added sweetness.
• If you prefer a more pronounced lemon tang, increase the lemon zest to 3 tablespoons.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat briefly in a microwave if desired to restore their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta for this recipe?

Yes, part-skim ricotta works fine, though whole-milk ricotta will give a richer, more tender cookie.

Do I have to use fresh lemon juice, or can I use bottled?

Fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

20-Minute Lemon Ricotta Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

These 20-Minute Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and zesty lemon, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for a quick treat or an elegant dessert, these cookies are simple to prepare and bake in under 20 minutes.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-23 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are well combined for even leavening.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next for a smooth batter.
5. Add Ricotta and Lemon: Mix in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These ingredients add moisture, tanginess, and a distinct lemon flavor to the cookies.
6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
7. Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before glazing or serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
• Lemon zest can be adjusted to taste for more or less lemon flavor.
• Cookies can be glazed or dusted with powdered sugar once cooled for added sweetness.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: lemon ricotta cookies, quick lemon cookies, soft lemon cookies, easy dessert, baking with ricotta