There’s something truly delightful about indulging in a homemade treat that feels both special and comforting. When I first baked these Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies, my kitchen was filled with a warm, buttery aroma that instantly brightened my day. The hint of lemon zest added a refreshing zing that danced in the air, making each moment spent stirring and baking feel like a joyful escape from the ordinary.
This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into decadent sandwiches that are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual afternoon snack or a show-stopping dessert at gatherings. With a plush ricotta cream filling nestled between soft, cake-like cookies, these little delights are bound to steal the spotlight and impress your friends and family.
So, if you’re yearning for a remedy to fast-food fatigue or simply want to share some love in the form of baked goodness, join me in discovering how easy it is to whip up these irresistible Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies
- These Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of soft cookies and creamy ricotta filling provides a luscious flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
- With the option to customize the filling with lemon juice, you can create a refreshing twist that suits your personal taste preferences.
- Visually, these cookies are a treat for the eyes, making them an attractive addition to any dessert table or gathering.
Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
Indulge in these creamy delights with simple pantry staples!
For the Cookies
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient that gives structure to your cookies.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda – works in tandem with the baking powder for an ideal texture.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness by balancing the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened) – ensures a rich, buttery base for your cookies.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens and helps achieve that delightful cookie crust.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – infuses warmth and depth into the cookie flavor.
- Lemon zest (optional) – adds a burst of freshness to your cookies.
For the Ricotta Cream Filling
- Ricotta cheese (drained) – the star of the filling, creating a creamy and rich texture.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens the filling and helps it achieve a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla extract – complements the ricotta with its warm flavor notes.
- Lemon juice (optional) – brightens the filling with a tangy twist.
These Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
How to Make Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares your space for baking those soft, fluffy cookies that everyone will love!
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined. This creates the perfect dry mixture for your cookies’ fluffy texture.
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Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Aim for a pale yellow color to ensure the mixture is aerated beautifully.
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Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) into the butter mixture until everything is well blended. This will enrich your cookies with a delightful depth of flavor.
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Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies soft and tender.
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Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them room to spread while baking!
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Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The aromatic scent will fill your kitchen, promising sweet treats ahead.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up while maintaining a soft, cake-like texture.
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Mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will bring your cookies to life!
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Spread a generous amount of the ricotta cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, flat side down, to create a delicious sandwich.
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Continue this process until all cookies are filled, making sure each one is lovingly packed with gooey goodness.
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Serve the Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies immediately or refrigerate them for a firmer filling. Either way, they’ll be a delightful treat!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. Additionally, the ricotta cream filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and creamy. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the cookies by spreading the filling between the cooled cookies for a delightful treat that tastes just as delicious as if you made everything fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer filling, store the cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds, ensuring they’re not overly heated to retain their soft texture.
What to Serve with Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies?
Create the perfect sweet spread to accompany these delightful treats with a few thoughtful pairings!
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate glaze elevates the cookies, offering an indulgent twist with a hint of bitterness.
The combination of sweet and slightly tart flavors from the berries alongside the creamy cookies makes for a delightful burst of freshness, while the chocolate adds a touch of sophistication.
- Iced Coffee: A chilled cup of coffee brings a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making them great for afternoon breaks.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each cookie alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
Imagine the heavenly contrast between a rich ice cream and the soft, cake-like cookies—each bite will transport you to dessert paradise!
- Lemonade: A glass of zesty lemonade offers a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cookie’s lemon notes.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a delightful addition for a light topping on each cookie, adding an extra layer of creaminess.
- Chamomile Tea: The soothing flavors of chamomile tea provide a gentle, calming drink that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ rich texture.
Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these cookies your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe and scrumptious option.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and a dairy-free ricotta for a creamy filling without the dairy.
- Citrus Burst: Add orange zest instead of lemon for a zesty twist that brightens up the flavors beautifully!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a rich, chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Nutty Goodness: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for an extra crunchy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the fall.
- Coffee Infusion: Replace the vanilla extract with espresso for a sophisticated, coffee-enhanced treat that will wake up your taste buds.
- Fruity Filling: Mix in some crushed berries, like strawberries or raspberries, into the ricotta filling for a refreshing, fruity contrast.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fluffy Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies, be sure to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and pale to incorporate air for better texture.
- Avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Make sure to drain the ricotta well before mixing to prevent a watery filling that can make the cookies soggy.
- When it comes to baking, start checking your cookies at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature.
Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta cheese should I use?
I recommend using whole milk ricotta cheese for a rich and creamy filling! Be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make your cookies soggy.
How long can I store Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies?
You can keep your delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer the filling to be firmer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To keep your cookies from spreading too much, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted when mixing it with sugar. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help them maintain their shape!
Can my pets eat these cookies?
It’s best to avoid giving your pets these cookies. They contain ingredients like sugar and chocolate (if you choose to add it) that can be harmful to pets. Stick to pet-friendly treats to keep them safe!
What if my ricotta cream filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, it means that the ricotta wasn’t drained adequately. To remedy this, simply re-drain the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer for about 20-30 minutes to get rid of excess liquid. You can also add a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it up without changing the flavor significantly!
Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) into the butter mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Mix the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) in a medium bowl.
- Spread a generous amount of the ricotta cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie.
- Continue this process until all cookies are filled.
- Serve the Ricotta Cream Sandwich Cookies immediately or refrigerate them for a firmer filling.
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