October, November, and December are my favorite months. They bring in the holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For many people, Christmas is their favorite holiday of the year. I love Christmas too.  There is a strong sense of community, both in smaller family units, and in towns and cities. People are just happy, nice and it seems to be the one holiday of the year when people come together. Though not everyone celebrates Christmas in a religious manner, everyone has a feeling that Christmas time is one of happiness and gratitude for those around you.

For some, Christmas is like an escape from reality. It is a day where you can be with the people you love and enjoy their company. It’s a chance to celebrate the small things in life, such as putting up lights with grandparents, decorating cookies with a sibling, or wearing pajamas all day. Traditional Christmas meanings going to mass, having a tree, and singing Christmas songs in praise of the baby Jesus. Parts of traditional Christmas still do exist for those who want them, but Christmas in America at large has definitely evolved. COVID-19 has really changed the way we celebrate this year. For most of us, the holiday will be small, with just a few family members present, though I expect many will come together online to wish each other well. 

For many, this holiday is not always a happy one. Some of us have bad memories of Christmas, or no family to celebrate with. It can be a time of nostalgia, sadness, and loneliness. If you know someone who will be alone, try to cheer them up with a box of cookies, a nice dinner, or even just a phone call to let them know you care. Even a small gift would be deeply appreciated, I’m sure.

I personally love to hear Christmas music, watch Christmas movies, and drive around to look at the beautiful displays of lights everywhere. Many workplaces and groups of friends have a Secret Santa or white elephant swap, and bring in all sorts of food like cakes and cookies.

For at least one day, we can escape from all our worries, put them away for a time, and just be in the moment. No worries on Christmas, it is simply not allowed.

If you are planning to bake some cookies, then this is one recipe you just have to try. The cookies rise beautifully to these round puffs of delicious flavor in every bite. The ricotta cheese is the star of these cookies, making sure they are fluffy, light, and moist with zesty cheese flavor. There are savory hints of lemon and vanilla that combine beautifully with the ricotta. They are then topped with a lemon icing that makes these cookies even more delightful and beautiful. I decided to really dress them up to bring in little Christmas cheer. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for sure. Make some extra and bring them to the office or a friend who would so deeply appreciate it. Your family is going to love these cookies. Make them now!

This recipe is courtesy of NYT cooking and will make 24 festive cookies for people you love.  Merry Christmas!

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1-pound ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons limoncello or fresh lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons milk

Make the Cookies:

Mix at low speed sugar, lemon zest, and butter until blended.

Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy.

At medium speed, beat in ricotta, vanilla, and eggs until well combined.

Reduce speed to low. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; beat until dough forms.

Drop dough by level tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased large cookie sheet. I just used parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes or until cookies are very lightly golden (cookies will be soft).

Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.

Make the Glaze:

In small bowl, stir powdered sugar, milk and limoncello until smooth.

Either dip cooled cookies into frosting and smooth with a knife, or just use the knife to spread icing on the cookies.

Finish with toping of choice; sprinkles, shaved chocolate, nuts or any flavoring.

It’s that simple!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas