Best Italian Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. 3

   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, cream together the remaining butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk gradually until a spreadable consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.