photo credit: cursedthing
If you are looking to add some Italian cookies to your lineup this Christmas, why not try these heavenly Rocotta cheese cookies. Did you know that ricotta is not really a true cheese? It is actually a by-product of the cheese making process. The watery leftover liquid from the making of another cheese is called the whey. Ricotta actually means “cooked again”. When the whey is recooked, the final product is ricotta cheese. Italian ricotta is made from the milk of many different animals, but the American version is almost always made from the milk of a cow. Italian versions tend to have a nutty, sweet flavor and are more dry than American ricottas. In Italy, you can also purchase a salty or a smoky version, as well.
In Italy, ricotta is used in many desserts such as cannolis and cheesecakes. It is also used to make these marvelous Italian cookies!
This recipe for Italian cookies makes about two dozen. You will want to have your oven at 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, place two cups of sugar and one cup of softened butter. Blend together on low speed. Then raise the speed to high and beat until the mixture is very light and fluffy – about five minutes.
Turn your speed to medium and add in a 15-oz. container of ricotta cheese, 2 teaspoons of vanilla and 2 large eggs. Beat until well blended and turn speed to low. Add 4 cups regular flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt. Beat until a dough forms and drop by tablespoons a few inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake about 15 minutes. The cookies should be starting to turn a little golden, but they will be soft. Remove to a rack to cool.
Meanwhile, make your icing. Mix together 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon orange extract. When cookies are cooled, spread icing on tops of cookies and allow to dry for about an hour.
You will enjoy the smiles when people bite into these delightful Italian cookies made with ricotta cheese!
Would you like to see author Sylvia Main make some fabulous lemon ricotta pancakes? Click here!
Mangia Bene!
