Soft Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Family Tradition

Every December, Nonna’s kitchen transformed into a flurry of flour and laughter—and at the center of it all were her Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies. These cookies weren’t just dessert; they were tradition.

I still remember sitting on my little stool, sticky fingers deep in frosting, listening to her tell stories about simpler times when they had little, but always had cookies.

What made these special wasn’t just the sweet glaze or the festive sprinkles—it was the ricotta. That soft, creamy richness gave each bite a tenderness that stood out on the cookie tray. They were soft, pillowy, and just sweet enough. Even now, when I bake them with my kids, the smell alone brings me right back to that warm kitchen.

So if you’re looking for a recipe that’s more than just sugar and flour—something that brings joy, nostalgia, and a bit of magic—you’ve found it. These Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are easy, comforting, and ready to become part of your family’s story too.

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What makes Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies special!

At the heart of these cookies is the creamy wonder we call ricotta. But not just any ricotta—whole milk ricotta brings a richness that transforms basic cookie dough into something pillowy and soft. It’s that simple ingredient that gives each bite its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. No crunchy edges here—just soft centers that feel like a hug.

The rest of the ingredient list is refreshingly simple: butter for flavor, eggs for structure, sugar for sweetness, and vanilla (or almond extract) for that familiar holiday warmth. Some versions add a touch of lemon zest, which I love—it cuts through the richness and gives the cookie a clean, bright finish.

What I really appreciate as a busy mom is that the dough comes together easily and doesn’t demand anything fancy. It’s the kind of recipe you can make between school pickups and gift wrapping.

Texture, flavor and festive decoration

The texture is what keeps people reaching for seconds. These cookies aren’t crispy or crumbly—they’re light, cakey, and incredibly moist. Thanks to the ricotta, they stay soft for days (if they even last that long).

Flavor-wise, they’re cozy without being too sweet. The vanilla or almond extract adds just enough depth, and when paired with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, it feels like Christmas in every bite.

And let’s not forget that finishing touch—the icing and sprinkles. Whether you go classic with red and green or let the kids pick rainbow nonpareils, it’s a moment of fun that makes the cookie tray feel complete.

How to Make Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies

Step-by-step instructions for soft, festive perfection

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the part that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas—baking these soft, sweet Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies. This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for cookie trays, swaps, and little hands sneaking “just one more.”

Start with the dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together one cup of softened butter and two cups of sugar. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes—you want it light and fluffy, like a snow drift.

Next, beat in your eggs one at a time (you’ll need three total), mixing well after each. Stir in a full 15-ounce container of whole milk ricotta cheese and two teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together four cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, blending just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix—the magic is in that tender crumb.

Time to bake:

Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies puff up slightly as they bake. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool on wire racks while you prepare the frosting.

Frosting and decorating the festive way

Now for the sweet top layer! In a clean bowl, beat ¼ cup softened butter with 3 to 4 cups of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and just enough 2% milk (about 3 to 4 tablespoons) to make a thick, spreadable icing.

Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread a spoonful of frosting on each, and immediately sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles—red, green, gold, or rainbow, whatever brings joy to your kitchen.

Nonna’s tip: These cookies stay soft for days and freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead for a stress-free holiday. I like to freeze half the batch for later—nothing beats pulling out a tray of homemade cookies just when you need a little pick-me-up.

Decorating, Storing & Gifting Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies

Festive finishing touches that bring joy to every batch

Now that your cookies are frosted and ready, it’s time to make them sparkle! In our house, decorating is a whole-family moment—my kids love grabbing their favorite sprinkles (red and green are the usual stars) and going wild with creativity.

I lay out a few small bowls of nonpareils, holiday jimmies, and even edible glitter when we’re feeling fancy. Don’t worry about making them perfect—this part’s about fun, not precision.

You can also mix it up with a dash of lemon zest in the icing for brightness, or use a piping bag if you want a cleaner look. But honestly? A spoonful of glaze and a joyful sprinkle shower does the trick every time.

Storage, make-ahead tips & gifting ideas

Once the cookies are fully cooled and that glaze is set, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. They stay soft and fresh at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. Want to save some for later? Freeze them! Just freeze in a single layer first (so they don’t stick), then transfer to containers with parchment between layers. They’ll be just as tasty after thawing—frosting and all—for up to three months.

If you’re planning ahead for a busy holiday week, here’s what works well:

• Make the dough in advance, chill it overnight, and bake the next day.
• Or scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Just bake straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the time.

For gifting, stack a few in a holiday tin, slide them into a clear treat bag with a ribbon, or wrap up on a paper plate with plastic wrap and a note. A handful of these cookies is more than a treat—it’s a little bundle of love.

Want to add a twist? Use vanilla instead of almond extract for a classic flavor. Add orange zest for a citrusy edge. Or swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

These Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies are adaptable, joyful, and—best of all—they invite your whole family into the process. Baking them is part tradition, part fun, and 100% delicious.

FAQs about Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies

1. Can I freeze Italian Ricotta Cookies?
Yes, and they freeze beautifully. Once frosted, place the cookies in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temp before serving.

2. Why use ricotta cheese in cookies?
Ricotta gives these cookies their signature softness and cake-like texture. It adds moisture without making the dough heavy or greasy. You won’t taste “cheese”—just tender, pillowy bites of sweet joy.

3. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps the butter solidify a bit and keeps the cookies from flattening out too much in the oven.

4. Can I flavor these cookies differently?
Absolutely! While vanilla and almond are traditional, lemon zest or orange extract add a bright twist. You can also change up the glaze with different extracts or food coloring to match your holiday theme.

Conclusion: A Holiday Cookie to Treasure

Every year, as the cookies cool and the sprinkles fly, I’m reminded that the best part of the holidays isn’t perfection—it’s connection. These Italian Christmas Ricotta Cookies hold a special place in our family, and I hope they find one in yours, too.

Bake a batch, share them with neighbors or school friends, and make your kitchen a little cozier this season. Because sometimes, a soft little cookie is all it takes to bring back the magic.