Italian Ricotta Cookies (e99)

Buon giorno a tutti. In this episode, Nonna Mia, la nonna di tutti (everyone's grandma), shows us how she makes Italian Ricotta Cookies. These light, fluffy, cake-like cookies are a classic Christmas cookie, but enjoyed year round.
To make these cookies, you will need:
1 cup butter (225 grams) softened
2 cups of sugar (200 grams)
15 ounces of ricotta (1 pound - 470 grams)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
4 cups of all purpose flour (550 grams)
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
Glaze:
4 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
or if you prefer, use almond or anise extra in lieu of lemon, using milk or water as your liquid
In a standing mixer or using an electric beater, cream the butter and sugar. Once smooth and creamy, add the ricotta, two eggs and vanilla and continue to blend. Nonna likes to make her own ricotta, which is easily made should you wish to try her recipe: • Homemade Ricotta - Eas...
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the cream until you have a soft but sticky dough.
Using water in the palm of your hand, begin rolling uniform balls and place them on a parchment lined cookie tray. This recipe makes about 90 bite-sized cookies.
Bake at 350F for 13-15 minutes. You want the bottom of the cookies to be a light brown colour. The cookies are soft in consistency.
Cool on racks. Once ready, mix up the glaze and dip the cookies into the glaze. Adjust the consistency to suit your preference - in this video, the glaze is firmer/thicker. If you prefer a thinner glaze, just add more liquid (water, milk or lemon juice). Before the glaze sets, add your sprinkles. And that's it! Easy!!
Buon appetito!