These Italian Sprinkle Cookies, also known as Ricotta Cookies, are soft, pillowy treats with a delicate vanilla flavor. Finished with a smooth glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a joyful addition to any festive celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Sprinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for both flavor and visual appeal. The ricotta cheese keeps them incredibly moist and soft, while the glaze adds a touch of sweetness and the sprinkles bring festive charm. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Ricotta cheese
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
- Milk (for glaze)
- Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the ricotta, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar and milk to create a glaze.
- Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze and immediately top with sprinkles.
- Allow glaze to set before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty note.
- Customize with themed sprinkles for different holidays.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
FAQs
How soft are ricotta cookies supposed to be?
They are very soft and almost cake-like, thanks to the ricotta cheese.
Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, though full-fat ricotta produces the softest and richest result.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Not for this recipe, but chilling can help with shaping if the dough is sticky.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze in scooped portions, then bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How long does the glaze take to set?
About 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Yes, any small or finely shaped sprinkle works well.
Will the cookies spread while baking?
They may puff slightly but hold their rounded shape well.
Can I make these ahead for a cookie swap?
Absolutely, they store well and stay soft for days.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, the sweetness is well balanced between the dough and the glaze.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales easily for larger batches.
Conclusion
Italian Sprinkle Cookies are a holiday classic that brings softness, color, and timeless flavor to any cookie tray. Whether for Christmas, a celebration, or simply to brighten a winter day, these cookies offer the perfect blend of tradition and delight.
PrintSoft and Fluffy Italian Sprinkle Cookies – Ricotta Cookies with Vanilla Glaze and Rainbow Sprinkles
Soft and Fluffy Italian Sprinkle Cookies are classic ricotta cookies with a tender, cake-like texture. Coated in a sweet vanilla glaze and topped with rainbow sprinkles, these festive cookies are perfect for holidays, weddings, and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Rainbow sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Spoon or dip cooled cookies in the glaze, then immediately top with rainbow sprinkles.
- Let glaze set before storing or serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
- Glaze and sprinkle once cookies are fully cooled for best results.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg