RICOTTA FRIED “KISSES” BALLS

Here are Baci di Ricotta, a traditional Italian dessert perfect for any occasion.

These bite-sized balls of golden dough are fried to perfection and filled with a rich ricotta cream, then dusted with powdered sugar.

Whether you’re planning a party, craving a sweet snack or want to impress your guests with an authentic Italian dessert, Ricotta Baci are a guaranteed hit.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe brings a touch of Italy right into your kitchen.

But why are they called Baci di Ricotta? In Italian, the word “baci” means “kisses,” symbolizing the way these little treats “kiss” the taste buds with delicate sweetness.

The creamy ricotta filling is hidden inside each dough ball, like a surprise hidden in a kiss.

They are a perfect combination of crunchiness and softness, just like the warmth of a real kiss, making them an irresistible treat to bite into.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian Delight: Straight from Italian kitchens, a dessert steeped in tradition.
• Versatile: Customize the filling with chocolate chips, candied orange peel, or a splash of liqueur.
• Quick to Prepare: Simple steps for a sophisticated treat.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 15–20 Ricotta Kisses

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (preferably organic)
• ½ cup milk (approximately)

For the Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
• Optional: Chocolate chips or candied orange peel

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (such as peanut or sunflower oil)

For Coating

• Powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until frothy.
2. Add lemon zest, salt, and melted butter (if using), and mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and baking powder, alternating with milk, to form a soft dough.
4. Knead until smooth and homogeneous. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Add optional chocolate chips or candied orange peel for extra flavor.

3. Form the Dough Balls

1. Take small portions of rested dough and flatten them on your palm.
2. Place a teaspoon of ricotta filling in the center.
3. Carefully close the dough around the filling, forming a sealed ball.

4. Fry the Balls

1. Heat oil to 340–350°F in a deep pot.
2. Fry a few balls at a time, turning often, until golden brown (3–4 minutes).
3. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve

1. Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, creamy center with the golden exterior.

Tips for Success

• Frying Temperature: Maintain 340–350°F for even cooking.
• Freshness: Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of limoncello or rum to the ricotta filling for extra depth.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfilled dough balls for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before frying.

A Kiss of Italy

Enjoy Baci di Ricotta for breakfast, as a snack, or as a decadent dessert. Each bite is a little kiss of Italian sweetness. Buon appetito!

Ricotta Fried “Kisses” Balls Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter optional
• Zest of 1 lemon preferably organic
• ½ cup milk approximately

For the Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
• Optional: Chocolate chips or candied orange peel

For Frying

• Vegetable oil such as peanut or sunflower oil

For Coating

• Powdered sugar

Instructions

 

Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until frothy.
• Add lemon zest, salt, and melted butter (if using), and mix well.
• Gradually add flour and baking powder, alternating with milk, to form a soft dough.
• Knead until smooth and homogeneous. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling

• In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Add optional chocolate chips or candied orange peel for extra flavor.

Form the Dough Balls

• Take small portions of rested dough and flatten them on your palm.
• Place a teaspoon of ricotta filling in the center.
• Carefully close the dough around the filling, forming a sealed ball.

Fry the Balls

• Heat oil to 340–350°F in a deep pot.
• Fry a few balls at a time, turning often, until golden brown (3–4 minutes).
• Drain on paper towels.

Serve

• Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
• Serve warm and enjoy the soft, creamy center with the golden exterior.

Notes

Makes about 15–20 Ricotta Kisses