STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the dough.

STEP 3: CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGAR

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes 2-3 minutes. The creaming of the butter and sugar helps create air pockets in the dough, making the cookies light and tender.

STEP 4: ADD THE EGG, RICOTTA, VANILLA, AND LEMON ZEST

Next, add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. The ricotta cheese is what gives these cookies their signature texture and moistness, so be sure to mix it in thoroughly. The mixture should be smooth, without any lumps.

STEP 5: COMBINE THE DRY AND WET INGREDIENTS

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it seems too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together without sticking to your hands.

STEP 6: FORM THE COOKIES

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking. If you prefer smaller or larger cookies, adjust the dough portions accordingly.

STEP 7: BAKE THE COOKIES

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will puff up slightly and remain soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

STEP 8: COOL THE COOKIES

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool, but they should remain soft and moist.

STEP 9: GLAZE THE COOKIES

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a few teaspoons of water until smooth and pourable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the glaze is too runny or a little more water if it’s too thick. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or sugar on top of the glaze.

STEP 10: LET THE GLAZE SET

Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving or packaging the cookies. This will ensure the glaze hardens slightly, making them easier to handle and adding a beautiful finish to the cookies.