The Best Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Glaze: Nordstrom Cafe

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The Best Lemon Ricotta Cookies

You might not know this about me, but along with blogging, I’ve spent over 30 years in the design industry creating beautiful packaging and accessories for big box retail stores. One of my very favorite clients has been Nordstrom.

I’ve always loved shopping there, so it was such a treat to work behind the scenes too, designing everything from custom cosmetic bags and handbags to fabric boxes filled with tiny fairy shoes.

Traveling to their Washington headquarters was a monthly event for me, and one of my favorite spots was always their cafe. 

They have the best tomato soup and arugula shrimp salad. But my very favorite thing on the Nordstrom cafe menu? Their lemon ricotta cookies!

I love anything made with lemon, and have a big sweet tooth, so when I first tasted on of their famous lemon ricotta cookies with that soft cake-like texture it was love at first bite. To top it off, they’re finished with the most delicious glaze bursting with fresh lemon zest.

So, today I’m bringing a bit of the Nordstrom’s cafe right to your kitchen with this simple (and delicious!) lemon ricotta cookies recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – These ricotta cheese lemon cookies come together with everyday staples like flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder and fresh lemon zest. They’re easy to make but taste like a treat from a gourmet bakery.
• Bright and Beautiful – With their soft, pillowy texture and a glaze bursting with fresh lemon zest, these cookies look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a baby shower, backyard garden party, or just craving something sweet, these easy lemon ricotta cookies always hit the spot.

Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Grab your apron and get ready to bake! Here’s everything you need to make this recipe for ricotta cookies with lemon glaze:

for the Lemon Ricotta Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 16 oz. whole milk Ricotta cheese
• Grated zest of 6 lemons
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon lemon flavor

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Grated zest of 1 lemon

Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Cookie sheet
• Cookie scoop
• Spatula

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to  325°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Then, In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients including the flour, salt and baking soda and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together your butter and sugar on a low speed until smooth.

The crack the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time and mix until well incorporated.

Add in the lemon juice, vanilla, lemon flavoring, ricotta cheese and zest of the lemons, but be careful not to over-mix the dough.

Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the mixing stand and slowly fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Once mixed the dough will feel like a cake batter, making a soft cookie. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

When ready to bake your lemon ricotta cookies, remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. 

Then use a medium cookie scoop to make and drop your dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cracks start to appear on the tops of your cookies.

Allow your cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for several minutes,  then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Make Lemon Glaze for the Cookies

Beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Then add lemon juice and zest and whisk together until the glaze is smooth.

Once the cookies have cooled, lightly glaze them using a small spoon or spatula.

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Cookies

These lemon ricotta cookies are soft, light, and full of fresh lemon flavor. They’re a great little treat to serve at a casual get-together or when you just want something sweet without going over the top.

I love pairing them with a cup of tea in the afternoon or a glass of iced lemonade on a warm day. If you’re entertaining, try serving them with prosecco or a lemon spritz for a fun and refreshing combo.

They’re also the perfect finish to lighter meal like pasta with herbs, a crisp salad, or one of my summer favorites, a steak stack with fresh corn relish. You could even set out a small dessert tray with these cookies, fresh berries, and a few other sweet bites likes slices of angel food cake or lemon meringue tart for a simple but beautiful display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to drain the ricotta cheese first?

Most ricotta you buy at the store is already drained and ready to go. But if yours seems a little watery, just let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for a bit before using it

How do I store leftover lemon ricotta cheese cookies?

Place them in a single layer into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month if you want to save some ricotta lemon cookies for later. Just a quick tip, be sure to store them separately from other goodies since that lemony flavor can sneak into everything else.

Other Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!

Closing Thoughts

These lemony ricotta cookies are such a treat. Soft, creamy, and full of bright lemon flavor, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is simple and so satisfying.

They’re perfect for just about any occasion, or no occasion at all. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy every bite. And if you love them as much as I do, don’t forget to share the recipe with a friend!

Happy Baking!

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