Description
Delight in these soft and tender Pink Frosted Cookies, featuring a rich ricotta-infused dough that creates a moist texture and a smooth, sweet pink frosting that adds a festive touch. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a sweet, creamy treat with a hint of almond and vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 (15 ounce) container full fat ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Pink Frosting
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Pink colored sprinkles (optional)
Additional
- Strawberry jam or raspberry jam (for filling or serving if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease baking sheets to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of sugar for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth and uniform batter.
- Incorporate Ricotta and Extracts: Beat in the ricotta cheese along with vanilla and almond extracts to add moisture and aroma to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda for even distribution of leavening.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the creamed wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid developing gluten and maintaining tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting, preventing melting or sliding of the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, cream together ¼ cup softened butter and 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, adding vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add 2% milk until a spreadable consistency is reached. Add red food coloring for a vibrant pink color if desired.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the pink frosting over cooled cookies and immediately decorate with pink sprinkles if using, enhancing their festive appearance.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and ricotta cheese are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla if preferred.
- For an extra burst of flavor, spread a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam between two cookies before frosting.
- Use fresh powdered sugar to avoid clumps in the frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to prolong freshness.
- If you prefer a deeper pink frosting color, add red food coloring gradually to achieve your desired shade without overpowering the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American