As I was clearing out my fridge (something I need to do a whole lot more often), I found some ricotta cheese in the back that was nearing its expiration date.
Since I always have lemons in the fridge, and I have always wanted to make lemon ricotta cookies…now was the perfect time to make these Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Almonds.
**Please Note – The printable recipe card with detailed instructions and complete ingredient measurements for making Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with almonds is available near the end of this post. OR click on the “jump to recipe” (shown below) to be taken directly to the recipe.
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There are a ton of recipes online for ricotta cookies and the one I chose to work from is Lidia’s from Lidia’s Italy.
The only thing I did differently with Lidia’s recipe is that I added some chopped, toasted almonds because I adore nuts in just about everything, and I swapped out the vanilla extract for almond extract!
Naturally, if you’re not a nut lover (or you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy), this ingredient is entirely optional.
I also played around just a bit with Lidia’s icing, and to finish I decided to garnish the cookies with just a tiny pinch of fresh lemon zest for that little touch of color. Sorry for the changes Lidia, but I think you would actually approve!
These cookies are incredibly tender and cake-like due to the ricotta cheese, so if you’re looking for a crispy cookie with a lot of crunch, you’d better move along.
However, if you’re looking for a luscious lemon cookie that you can really sink your teeth into, you’d better print this recipe for Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Almonds right now! 😉
The ingredient list:
- butter (I like to use salted butter)
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- ricotta cheese
- almond extract
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt (I use kosher)
- lemon zest
- toasted almonds
- confectioners sugar
- fresh lemon juice
The instructions:
- In a large bowl blend together the granulated sugar and butter. Add the eggs, ricotta cheese, and almond extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture and blend just until the dough comes together. Gently stir in the almonds.
- Drop the dough by tablespoons onto parchment lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated oven.
- Ice the cookies with the lemon glaze and finish with a light touch of lemon zest.
Below is the printable recipe card for today’s Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Almonds.
- 1 stick butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped, toasted almonds, optional
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, as garnish (optional)
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs (one at a time) and beat well after each addition, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Blend in the ricotta cheese and almond extract.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
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Working in increments, slowly add the flour mixture into the ricotta mixture (1/3 at a time), mixing each addition until just combined. *Note – The less you mix, the more tender the cookies will be.
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Add the nuts and blend until just combined.
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Drop the dough by tablespoons onto parchment lined baking sheets (12-15 per sheet).
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Bake for 22-25 minutes in preheated oven, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through baking.
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Cool completely on wire rack before ricing.
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Stir or whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract until smooth.
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Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing allowing the excess to drip off.
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Garnish the wet icing with a pinch of lemon zest on each cookie.
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Serve and enjoy!
Tools and equipment;
baking sheets, parchment paper (optional), large bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, medium bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, microplane, whisk, wooden spoon, cookie scoop or tablespoon
Thank you so much for visiting me here today in my Kudos Kitchen!
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s recipe for Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Almonds as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing it to you!
If you’re at all interested in making your own homemade ricotta cheese, it’s easier than you might think and I’ve got a great recipe for you to try.
Should you have any questions regarding this recipe for Light & Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Almonds, or anything else you’ve seen on my site, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly, or leave me a comment in the comment section below. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back to you with a reply just as soon as I possibly can!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Yes I do have ricotta cheese in the fridge and yes I love lemon! The texture of these cookies is stunning! What a great recipe and beautiful, tantilizing cookies!
Thanks, Jamie! Love that word, tantalizing 😉
Loving these. And I have to check out your ricotta cheese recipe, too. Stop torturing me, woman! 🙂
Haha! I mean no harm, Renee 😉
I have ricotta. I have lemons. I never thought to go cookie w/ them. thanks.
These cookies have me drooling over here!!! I love lemon and ricotta together in a cookie form like this. And the custom bottle is too cute!
Thank you so much, Ashley 🙂
I'd hold the nuts myself but the lemon ricotta sounds amazing. And your icing looks fantastic!
I declare these acceptable for breakfast! 🙂
They look scrumptious! I want it all!
These are so yummy! I find myself sneaking one or two every time I make my way into the kitchen, lol.
LOL! Understandable!
I didn’t even know that ricotta cookies were a thing. They sound gorgeous, especially with that hit of almond flavour and the lemon. I think eating these would transport my mind to the Italian coast instantly.
They definitely will, Jane! I know you’ll love them! 🙂