Indulge your senses with the delightful taste of Triple Zested Ricotta Cookies—an Italian treat that takes the classic cookie to a whole new level! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of lemon, orange, and lime, these cookies are not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you're planning a cozy gathering or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add ricotta cheese, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, orange zest, and lime zest to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but not browned.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use Fresh Zest: For the best flavor, always use fresh zest from whole fruits rather than pre-packaged zest. This will enhance the cookies' citrusy brightness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, tender texture we want.
- Spacing is Key: Make sure to space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread without merging into each other.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set and lightly golden around the edges but not browned on top.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
