When Easy Really Is Easy: Ricotta Cookies

Every once in a while, I come across a recipe and think, “Well, this is almost too easy.” This is one of those recipes.

I came across this recipe and saved it because I loved the simplicity. There is something very appealing about a recipe that requires just a few ingredients, one bowl, and very little effort. No complicated techniques. No long list of ingredients. No special equipment.

Just a box of cake mix, ricotta cheese, and an egg. You probably have everything you need in your pantry and refrigerator right now.

I am always drawn to recipes like this. There are plenty of times when I enjoy spending time in the kitchen and making something a little more involved. Then there are those days when I want something homemade without turning the kitchen upside down. This recipe is perfect for those days.

Lemon, vanilla, or white cake mix all work well, so you have some flexibility depending on what you have on hand. Whole-milk ricotta gives the cookies a soft, tender texture, and the egg brings the dough together. If you have vanilla or almond extract in the pantry, you can add a teaspoon for a little extra flavor. If you do not have either one, simply leave it out.

Mix, Scoop, Bake

The whole process is straightforward. Combine the cake mix, ricotta, and egg in a bowl and mix just until everything comes together. Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and put the cookies in the oven.

The cookies come out with lightly golden edges and soft tops, with the ricotta giving them a tender texture. They feel homemade without requiring much work at all.

I can see making these when I need something sweet to go with an afternoon cup of coffee, or simply when I want to bake something without making a big project out of dessert. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones you can pull together without much thought.

Three main ingredients. One bowl. A few minutes of preparation. I think we can all use a recipe like this in our back pocket.

Easy Ricotta Cookies
Makes a Dozen