Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies (#Fblcookieexchange)

Ingredients

• ½ pound unsalted butter (2 sticks or 16 tablespoons)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 -15 ounces container of ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (I know this seems like a lot, but yes...tablespoons)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, or half and half)
• candy sprinkles