Name: Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Ricotta cheese; Granulated sugar; Large eggs; Unsalted butter, melted; Baking powder; Lemon zest; Lemon juice; Vanilla extract; Powdered sugar; Sprinkles

Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars: A Soft, Sweet, and Delightful Treat! 🍪🍋✨

1. Introduction

Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than these delightful Italian ricotta cookie bars! These bars are soft, moist, and bursting with a delicate lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Italian ricotta cookie bars recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a mouthwatering result every time. The subtle sweetness of the ricotta cheese combined with the bright citrus notes creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the colorful sprinkles on top add a festive touch that everyone will love. If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, consider exploring other baking recipes. Get ready to bake a batch of these heavenly ricotta cookie bars and watch them disappear in minutes!

Delicious Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars with glaze and sprinkles, ready for serving.

2. What are Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars?

Italian cookie bars are a variation of the classic Italian ricotta cookies, but in an easier, bar-shaped format. They are characterized by their soft and cake-like texture, achieved through the use of ricotta cheese in the batter. This cheese not only adds moisture but also a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the lemon. Unlike some cookies that can be dense or dry, Italian ricotta cookie bars are incredibly tender and almost melt in your mouth. The glaze on top, typically made with powdered sugar and lemon juice, adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful shine. Sprinkles are the final touch, making these bars visually appealing and perfect for celebrations. And if you’re a fan of easy desserts, you might also enjoy these delicious dessert recipes.

3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why you’ll adore this Italian ricotta cookie bars recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple and chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry. The preparation is straightforward, involving just a few basic steps. Secondly, these bars are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal events. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters. If you’re planning a brunch, these would also be a great addition, alongside other dishes from our breakfast & brunch category. Thirdly, the taste is simply divine. The soft, moist texture combined with the delicate lemon flavor and sweet glaze is a match made in heaven. Lastly, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy these delightful ricotta cookie bars.

4. Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bars.
Ricotta cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess.
Sugar: Sweetens the bars and adds to their tender texture.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Butter: Contributes to the moistness and flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and airy.
Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, creating a smooth and sweet topping.
Sprinkles: Adds a festive and colorful touch.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for creating a uniform batter. Add the melted butter and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. For another delightful recipe using similar techniques, you might enjoy Spinach Quiche with a Twist.

Creaming ricotta cheese, sugar, and lemon zest in a stand mixer for Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars.

Step 2: Bake the Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. If you are looking for other recipes with equally easy steps, you can check this recipe.

Adding flour and baking powder to the ricotta mixture for Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars batter.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thin enough to spread easily but thick enough to coat the bars nicely.

Pouring Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars batter into a parchment-lined baking pan.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula or knife. Immediately sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles. Cut the bars into squares and serve. These Italian ricotta cookie bars are best enjoyed within a few days, stored in an airtight container. And if you’re interested in collaborating or learning more work with me.

Italian Ricotta Cookie Bars cooling on a wire rack after baking.

6. Tips for the Perfect Cookie Bars

Use high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in tough bars.
Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the glaze from melting.
Get creative with your sprinkles! Use different colors and shapes to match the occasion.
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.

7. Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist on this classic.
Orange Zest: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Nutty: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor. If you love nutty flavors, you might also appreciate Family Favorite Garlic Roasted Potatoes for a savory treat!

8. Serving Suggestions

These Italian ricotta cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other desserts and beverages. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert platters, alongside other cookies, brownies, and cakes. If you want to learn more about us, you can have a look at our about page.

9. Conclusion

These Italian ricotta cookie bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, moist texture, delicate lemon flavor, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. This Italian ricotta cookie bars recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result every time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these heavenly ricotta cookie bars. Enjoy! For a savory complement to these sweet bars, why not try Traditional Garlic Roasted Potatoes after? And don’t forget to check out our dinner recipes for meal inspiration!