Oh wow, these Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies are something else! They’re soft and chewy with cozy fall flavors that just warm you up. You’ll want to make them right away!
I love how the ricotta makes the cookies super moist and tender. Plus, the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves smells amazing while baking. It’s like a little fall party in your kitchen!
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s light, fluffy, and full of spice magic. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or just by themselves for a sweet little treat. Honestly, these cookies make me feel all cozy inside.
So, if you’re ready to bake some fall happiness, let’s get started! I promise these cookies will be your new favorite. Grab your ingredients and let’s make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Soft & Moist: Ricotta cheese makes these cookies incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Warm Fall Flavors: A perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a comforting autumnal aroma.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, scoop, and bake!
- Great for Any Occasion: Enjoy them with coffee, as a Thanksgiving dessert, or give them as homemade gifts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store well and taste even better the next day!
Required Kitchen Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
- Medium and large mixing bowls – To mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk – To combine dry ingredients and break up clumps.
- Electric mixer – To cream the butter and sugar for a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking sheets – For even baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Wire rack – For cooling the cookies properly.
Ingredients for the Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful treats (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Spices: A mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the spices.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Ricotta Cheese (Whole or Part-Skim): The secret to soft, tender cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients for the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the glaze with a hint of warmth.
- Sprinkles (Optional): For a festive touch!
Variations for Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies
- Add Citrus Zest: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist.
- Make Them Nutty: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Try Brown Butter: Use browned butter instead of regular butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Use Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple-flavored glaze for extra fall vibes.
- Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of white or dark chocolate chips would complement the spices beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step helps create soft cookies.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, ricotta cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). This step helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavors.
6. Preheat and Scoop
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, drop 1.5-2 tablespoon portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or dip them in the glaze. Sprinkle with festive decorations, if desired.
How to Serve Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies
These cookies pair well with many comforting fall treats:
- With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider.
- As a Dessert Platter Addition: Serve with pumpkin pie, pecan bars, or apple crisp for a festive spread.
- As Gifts: Pack in decorative tins for a thoughtful holiday gift.
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.
Storing Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the cookies (without glaze) in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies
Course: Uncategorized24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes~120
kcalIngredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, ricotta, and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets.
- Scoop dough onto sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies.
conclusion
These Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies are the perfect cozy treat for fall. Soft, tender, and bursting with warm spices, they make every bite feel like a hug. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do—happy autumn snacking!
Autumn Spice Ricotta Cookies FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They actually taste better the next day as the flavors develop.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta will yield richer, more tender cookies.