Italian Ricotta Cookies
Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies that are a staple in Italian-American bakeries and holiday baking. They are made with a simple dough featuring ricotta cheese, which gives them a uniquely tender, moist texture, and are often finished with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Originating from Southern Italy, they have become a beloved treat especially around Christmas and Easter.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These cookies are moderately high in carbohydrates from sugar and flour, with a notable amount of fat from butter and ricotta, and a small protein boost from the cheese and eggs. A typical glazed cookie contains roughly 120-150 calories, offering a quick energy source with some calcium from the dairy.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Potassium | 60 mg |
| Vitamin A | 70 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
| Folate | 30 mcg DFE |
Per 3 cookies (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, they represent the Italian tradition of using simple, pantry-stable ingredients like ricotta to create rich, festive treats for family gatherings. Nutritionally, the inclusion of ricotta is unique as it adds moisture and tenderness without requiring excessive butter, differentiating them from many other cookie recipes.
