Lemon zest and drained ricotta make soft, rounded crinkles with a tender center and a pale sugar crust.
Measure the ingredients before starting, using the gram weights where possible. The method gives tray sizes, portion sizes and visual baking cues; the total time includes every batch and the final cooling or setting period.
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Lemon Ricotta Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
24 cookies. Use the portion sizes and tray layout in the method.
Times are sequential planning allowances. The cooking allowance includes every tray and any stovetop preparation; cooling is allowed after the final tray.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- Digital kitchen scale and US measuring tools
- Mixing bowls, flexible spatula and measuring spoons
- Two 13 × 18-inch rimmed baking sheets, parchment and cooling rack
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
Dough
Double sugar coating
Spoon flour into the cup and level it without packing; gram weights are the reference. Weigh eggs without their shells. Temperatures are for a fully preheated oven.
Instructions
Mix the wet ingredients
- Press ricotta in a fine sieve for about 15 minutes and weigh 120 g of the drained cheese. Rub lemon zest into sugar, then beat with butter for 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, ricotta and lemon juice.
Fold and chill
- Whisk flour, baking powder and salt separately and fold into the ricotta mixture just until combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 180 minutes, until the dough is firm enough to scoop.
Portion and coat
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) conventional or 325°F (165°C) fan. Line two 13 × 18-inch trays. Divide the dough into 24 equal portions, approximately 34 g each. Roll gently, coat first in the 40 g granulated sugar and then in the 90 g powdered sugar. Arrange 12 per tray in a 3 × 4 grid with at least 2 inches between dough balls. Keep the waiting tray cold.
Bake both trays
- Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 12–14 minutes per tray, allowing 28 minutes for both. The edges should feel set and the tops should crack while the centers remain slightly soft. Rotate each tray halfway if the oven browns unevenly.
Cool and finish
- Leave each batch on its tray for 10 minutes, then move to a rack for 20 minutes. Allow the full 30 minutes after the final tray before packing.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Coating
Roll each portion in granulated sugar before powdered sugar. Apply the powdered layer generously and bake promptly; the finish can still absorb moisture during storage.
Dough temperature
Chilled dough is easier to portion without extra flour. Keep the second tray refrigerated while the first bakes.
Doneness
Look for set edges and a cracked surface with moist-looking crevices. Leave the cookies on the tray to firm before moving them.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | Up to 4 days | Cool fully before sealing in an airtight container in a cool, dry room. Separate layers with parchment. |
| Refrigeration | Not needed for plain cookies | Refrigeration can change the texture. Keep unbaked dough covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. |
| Raw freezing | Up to 1 month | Freeze uncoated, unfilled dough portions or tightly wrapped logs. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake as directed; add coatings just before baking. |
| Baked freezing | Up to 1 month | Freeze completely cool cookies airtight with parchment between layers. Sugar coatings may need refreshing after thawing. |
| Restoring | Before serving | Thaw covered at room temperature to limit condensation. Refresh powdered sugar after thawing if needed. |
Notes
- The coating amounts include sugar left in the rolling bowls. Keep powdered cookies apart from moist or strongly mint-flavored cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the sugar disappear?
A thin coating or very warm, moist dough can absorb the sugar. Chill the dough and use both sugar layers; humidity can still soften the finish.
Can I freeze the dough?
Freeze plain portions before adding either sugar coating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and coat just before baking.
How should I pack these?
Wait until completely cool, then place in a single layer or separate layers with parchment. Keep away from moist fillings that can dissolve the sugar coating.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Cookie Box Recipes collection.