Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Glaze Recipe

Ever feel like you’re running a tiny, very loud restaurant where every customer sends their meal back? I get it. The nightly dinner battle is real in my house too.

That’s why I’m always on the hunt for recipes that feel like a treat but are secretly a win, like this hearty Lemon Ricotta & Spinach Shrimp Lasagna Soup. My latest victory? These incredible Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Glaze.

They’re soft, sweet, and just tangy enough. Best of all, they turned my “I-don’t-like-that” crew into eager taste-testers. Let me show you how to make this magic happen in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Category: Dessert / Cookie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (includes cooling)
• Servings: Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

I know the struggle. Anything too crunchy, too weird-looking, or too “flavored” gets pushed away. These cookies are the opposite.

The ricotta cheese makes them unbelievably soft and cake-like. There’s no weird texture to complain about. The lemon flavor is bright and friendly, not sour or overpowering.

And that shiny glaze on top? It looks like something from a bakery. That visual appeal makes kids want to try it. It’s a cookie that feels special, which makes them feel special for eating it.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I promise, nothing scary here. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. The ricotta is the secret star, but it’s mild and creamy, not strong at all.

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 large lemon

For the Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra sparkle)

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting little hands involved is my top trick for building excitement about food. For these Italian cookies, there are perfect jobs for helpers.

Younger kids can be in charge of zesting the lemon with supervision. They love watching the yellow bits come off! They can also help spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Older kids can crack the eggs, squeeze the lemon juice, and use the mixer (with your watchful eye, of course). Let them have fun with it! If you love baking with fruit, try these zesty Lemon Raspberry Cookies for another project.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the list fool you. This process is simple and forgiving. I’ve made these when I’m totally wiped out, and they still turn out amazing.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just mixed. Then, mix in the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. The dough will be soft and sticky—that’s perfect!
6. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each one so they have room to spread.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The bottoms will be light golden brown, and the tops will be set but still pale. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cookies cool, make the glaze recipe. Simply whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spoon the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

Got a kid who only likes vanilla? A spouse who loves berries? No problem. This recipe is a fantastic base for playing around.

For the lemon-averse, you can swap the lemon juice and zest for orange. You’ll get lovely, sunny orange cookies instead.

Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate surprise. Or, sprinkle a few rainbow sprinkles on the wet glaze for a festive look. For adults, a tiny sprinkle of sea salt on the glazed cookies is divine.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

These soft cookies stay wonderfully moist. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze them! Freeze the unglazed cookies on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze when you’re ready. It’s like having a secret stash of happiness for a tough day.

Nutrition Notes

• Ricotta adds a bit of protein and calcium, which is a nice bonus in a sweet treat.
• Using fresh lemon juice gives you a boost of vitamin C.
• As with any dessert, these are a “sometimes food” in our house, but it feels good to know there’s some real food in there too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use low-fat ricotta?

You can, but I really recommend whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor. The fat content is what makes these cookies so tender and rich.

My dough is really sticky. Did I do something wrong?

Nope! This is a very soft, sticky dough, and that’s exactly what you want. It’s what creates that amazing cake-like crumb. Just use two spoons to scoop and drop it onto the baking sheet.

Can I make the glaze without lemon juice?

Absolutely. You can use milk or even a little orange juice instead. The lemon glaze is classic, but a simple vanilla glaze (milk + powdered sugar + a drop of vanilla) is also delicious.

So there you have it. My not-so-secret weapon for sweetening up a tough week and winning over the pickiest taste buds at my table.

Baking these always fills our kitchen with the most amazing smell and even better memories. For another fantastic baked treat that combines cozy flavors, you must try these Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Strawberry Lemon Glaze. I really hope they become a favorite in your home, too.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids help? What twist did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!