Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Description
Simply the best!



Ingredients

 * 2 	 cups   sugar
 * 1 	cup margarine or butter, softened
 * 1 (15 	ounces) container ricotta cheese
 * 2 	teaspoons vanilla extract
 * 2 	large eggs
 * 4 	cups all-purpose flour
 * 2 	tablespoons baking powder
 * 1 	teaspoon salt
 * 1 1/2 	cups confectioners' sugar
 * 3 	tablespoons milk
 * colored sprinkles (red and green)

Directions

 * Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
 * In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat sugar and margarine or butter until blended.
 * Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
 * 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.
 * Bake about 15 minutes or until cookies are very lightly golden (cookies will be soft).
 * With pancake turner, remove cookies to wire rack to cool.
 * Repeat with remaining dough.
 * When cookies are cool, prepare icing: In small bowl, stir confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth.
 * With small metal spatula or knife, spread icing on cookies; sprinkle with red or green sugar crystals.
 * Set cookies aside to allow icing to dry completely, about 1 hour.