Ingredients

• 2 sticks (1 cup) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 425 grams sugar (about 2 cups)
• 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese (15 ounces), preferably fresh
• Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 480 grams all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
• 10 grams baking soda (2 teaspoons)
• 4 grams fine sea salt (about 3/4 teaspoon)
• 450 grams confectioners’ sugar (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup milk, as needed
• Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar, optional

Directions

• 1. Using an electric mixer, cream 2 sticks butter with sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add ricotta, lemon zest and 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and beat well. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl down with a rubber spatula, then beat in flour, baking soda and salt. Cover dough and chill for at least 2 hours and up to a week.
• 2. Heat oven to 350 degrees and line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick liners. Shape tablespoons of dough into balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake until pale golden on the bottom, about 15 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.
• 3. Melt remaining tablespoon butter. Whisk confectioners’ sugar to break up any large lumps, then whisk in melted butter, lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and enough milk to make a spreadable icing. Spread icing on cooled cookies, decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar, if desired, then let set for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Photos