Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe is soft, fresh and full of bright lemon flavor. These cookies are light and fluffy. They almost melt in your mouth.

This Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe is perfect for spring and summer. The lemon taste makes them refreshing and sweet. If you want a simple dessert, this is a great choice.

In this post, you will learn How to make Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies step by step. You will also see the Ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies clearly listed.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made these cookies for a family picnic. I wanted something light and cheerful. The lemon smell filled my kitchen. It felt fresh and happy.

The texture was soft and tender. The ricotta made them very moist. Everyone loved the soft glaze on top. They asked for more.

Now I bake this Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe often. It is simple and always delicious.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: 160 kcal per cookie

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Zester or grater
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spoon or cookie scoop

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy later.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well to combine. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together. Mix until light and fluffy. This step helps create soft and airy cookies.

4. Add Ricotta and Egg

Add ricotta cheese to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth. Add the egg and beat again. The batter should look creamy and slightly thick.

5. Add Lemon Flavor

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix gently. The fresh lemon smell will become stronger and very pleasant.

6. Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed. Stop mixing once combined. Do not overmix the dough.

7. Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the baking sheet. Leave space between cookies. They will spread slightly during baking.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden. The tops will stay pale. Remove from oven and cool completely.

9. Add the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Spoon glaze over cooled cookies. Let glaze set before serving.

Read More: Ina Garten Chipotle Nuts Recipe

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies

• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.
• Do not overbake the cookies.
• Let cookies cool before glazing.
• Use full-fat ricotta for better texture.
• Measure flour correctly for soft cookies.
• Chill dough for 20 minutes if too sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter.
• Using cold butter.
• Adding too much flour.
• Skipping parchment paper.
• Glazing warm cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe tastes best with tea or coffee. Serve them on a pretty plate for guests. They are perfect for baby showers and spring parties.

You can also pack them in lunch boxes. The bright lemon flavor makes them refreshing after meals. Add extra lemon zest on top for decoration.

Variations You Can Try

• Add mini chocolate chips.
• Add poppy seeds for texture.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon.
• Dip half of each cookie in white chocolate.
• Add a little almond extract for deeper flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in airtight container.
• Keep at room temperature for 3 days.
• Refrigerate up to 1 week.
• Freeze without glaze for 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	160 kcal
Carbs	22 g
Fat	6 g
Protein	3 g
Sugar	14 g

Health Benefits

Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe contains ricotta cheese. Ricotta provides protein and calcium. Lemon adds vitamin C and fresh flavor.

These cookies are lighter than many butter cookies. They feel soft and less heavy. While they are still a dessert, they can fit into a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed in small portions.

FAQs about Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough one day earlier. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature before baking.

2. Why are my cookies dry?
Dry cookies may come from too much flour. Measure flour carefully using a spoon and level method. Also avoid overbaking.

3. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, you can skip the glaze. The cookies will still taste delicious. However, the glaze adds extra sweetness and lemon flavor.

4. Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, but full-fat ricotta gives better texture. Low-fat ricotta may make cookies slightly less soft and rich.

5. How do I make the lemon flavor stronger?
Add extra lemon zest to the dough. Zest has strong natural oils. You can also add a little more lemon juice to glaze.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies Recipe is soft, fresh and easy to bake. The bright lemon flavor makes them special.

Now you understand How to make Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies step by step. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Ricotta Cookies are simple and easy to find.

These cookies are perfect for family gatherings or simple tea time. Bake a batch and enjoy the sweet, fresh taste with loved ones.