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To make lemon ricotta cookies, gather these items: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - Zest of 2 lemons - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) If you want to boost the flavor, consider adding: - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth - 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness If you need to swap out any ingredients, here are good alternatives: - Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture. - Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor. - For gluten-free cookies, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Using these ingredients and options can make your cookies unique and special. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more guidance! To make lemon ricotta cookies, gather your ingredients first. It helps to have everything ready. You will need ricotta cheese, butter, sugar, an egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Don’t forget the optional powdered sugar for dusting! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. 4. Next, add the ricotta cheese, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined. 5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 6. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix so the cookies stay soft. 7. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should look a bit under-baked. 9. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 10. If you like, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Watch the cookies closely as they bake. The edges will turn golden brown first. The centers may look soft, which is okay. They will firm up as they cool. If you want a softer cookie, take them out a minute early. Enjoy making these delightful treats! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. One big mistake is over-mixing the dough. When you mix too much, the cookies can turn out tough. Aim to mix just until you see no dry flour. Another mistake is using cold butter. Softened butter helps create a light and airy texture. Make sure it's at room temperature before you start. To get that soft and chewy texture, ricotta cheese is key. It adds moisture and creaminess. Also, don't skip chilling the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. If you want a denser cookie, use a bit less flour. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for mixing. This makes it easier to get a good blend. When baking, keep an eye on the time. Cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the middle. I suggest checking them a minute early to avoid over-baking. For a fun twist, try dusting your cookies with powdered sugar. It adds a nice finish and extra sweetness. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} Lemon ricotta cookies are great on their own. However, you can add fun flavors! Try mixing in orange zest for a bright twist. This adds a sweet and tangy taste. You can also add chocolate chips for a rich flavor. Just fold in half a cup of your favorite chocolate chips. If you need gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix. Make sure the mix works well in baking recipes. For a vegan version, use a flax egg instead of the large egg. Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a tasty dairy-free option. Add spices to match the season! For fall, mix in cinnamon or nutmeg. This gives your cookies a warm flavor. In winter, consider adding ginger for a festive touch. You can also use vanilla extract for extra sweetness. These additions make your cookies fun for any holiday gathering. For the full recipe of these delightful treats, check out the recipe above. To keep your lemon ricotta cookies soft, store them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with parchment paper to absorb moisture. Layer cookies with parchment between them to prevent sticking. Place the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain their lovely texture. You can freeze lemon ricotta cookies for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. After freezing, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay fresh for up to three months. These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freezing is best. To revive the cookies, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This will bring back their soft, delightful texture. Enjoy them as a treat any time! Lemon ricotta cookies are soft, cake-like treats. They use ricotta cheese to add moisture. The cookies have bright lemon flavor from zest and juice. This gives them a fresh taste. They are perfect for any occasion, from tea time to family gatherings. To keep your cookies soft and chewy, use ricotta cheese. This ingredient adds moisture. Do not overbake them; look for a light golden edge. The centers should look slightly undercooked. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. This extra time helps them stay soft. Yes, you can make lemon ricotta cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge. You can chill it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, scoop the dough and bake as usual. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container. Serve lemon ricotta cookies on a decorative plate. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can also add lemon slices or mint for a pretty look. They pair well with tea or coffee, making them perfect for gatherings. To avoid overmixing, combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Mix until just combined; lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. I recommend using a spatula instead of a mixer for this step. This keeps your cookies light and fluffy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Lemon ricotta cookies are fun and tasty to make. We covered the key ingredients, from basic to optional ones. The step-by-step guide simplifies baking, helping you avoid common mistakes. Flavor variations let you get creative, and storage tips keep your cookies fresh. Remember, small changes can have big effects on taste and texture. So, whether you're baking for yourself or others, enjoy every bite of your lemon ricotta cookies!

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Discover the joy of baking lemon ricotta cookies, a delightfully soft treat bursting with zesty flavor! This easy recipe guides you through every step, from ingredient preparation to baking tips, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re serving them at gatherings or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating these delicious treats today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

Zest of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.

      Add the ricotta cheese, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft.

          Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly under-baked.

              Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 24 cookies

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate, and garnish with some lemon slices and sprigs of mint for an elegant look.