Italian Christmas Cookies
Delicate, buttery cookies infused with ricotta and vanilla, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, offering a creamy, slightly sweet treat that captures the spirit of Italian Christmas traditions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1 (15 oz.) Ricotta cheese, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Sift in 1 tsp baking soda and 4 cups flour, folding gently to form a dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar frosting for a festive finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of these cookies, consider using a reduced-fat Ricotta cheese. Additionally, you can replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat. Ensure you sift the flour and baking soda to keep the cookies light and airy. If you want a hint of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Christmas Cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside other Italian recipes like St. Joseph's Zeppole or a slice of panettone. Dusting with powdered sugar before serving adds a beautiful holiday flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Christmas Cookies contains roughly 958 calories, with 15g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2213mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and freeze them, then thaw and dust with powdered sugar when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If Ricotta is unavailable, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth or mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly differ, but the cookies will still be delicious.
How can I make these cookies festive for holiday gatherings?
To enhance the festive appeal, consider adding colored sprinkles on top before baking or incorporating festive flavors like almond extract or a hint of nutmeg. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).