February 2, 2011

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze


Since I live in Northeast Ohio there is freezing rain and tons of snow blowing around today, so it seemed a good time to bake some cookies. Especially some cookies with a nice refreshing and uplifting flavor, like lemon. I had half a container of ricotta cheese in the fridge and thought I could work with that so I looked up recipes. I came upon this great cookie recipe and I think you all will enjoy it.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 container of ricotta cheese
1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 lemon, zested

Glaze:

3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 lemon, zested

Preheat oven to 375.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl beat together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat to combine. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest and mix well. Stir in the flour mixture until all is smooth and combined.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough, about 2 Tablespoon for each cookie onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 20 minutes.


Glaze:

Combine the powedered sugar, lemone juice and zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2 tsp. onto each cookie, using the back of the spoon to spread the glaze evenly. Let the glaze harden for 2 hours. Store cookies in a container.

This makes a half batch of the original recipe.

These cookies are wonderful! The have that fresh lemony scent and flavor that is reminiscent of spring and summer...nice for a cold blustery day like today! We need that reminder of warmer weather and outside fun!

They have a great texture and are light and airy. I normally don't like glazes on things, there is something about the powdered sugar...but these are really delicious with or without the glaze. I think I prefer them with it. Its not overly sweet, I think these cookies are just right! Plus I love the little specks of the lemon zest sitting on top of the cookies, looks so fresh and yummy!

I hope you get a chance to makes these cookies, make them for someone you love, they will love you for it! They would be great boxed or bagged up as a treat for a relative or for a good friend.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry....dream of warmer weather and cool breezes

-BellaRosa