Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

Introduction

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, tender treats that melt in your mouth with a subtle almond flavor. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a light dessert, these pillows offer a pleasantly sweet and nutty bite that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Butter or oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms.
5. Step 5: Fold in the slivered almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and shape it into small pillows or balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for spreading.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pillows are lightly golden and puffed.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
9. Step 9: Once completely cool, dust the pillows with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, toast the slivered almonds lightly before folding them into the dough.
• Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic almond flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger almond aroma, increase the almond extract by a small amount but be careful not to overpower the flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta for a tangier taste and softer texture.

Storage

Store these almond pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of slivered almonds?

Yes, almond flour can be used for a more uniform texture, but it will change the biscuit’s structure and reduce the crunchy almond bits inside.

Are these pillows gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and adjust liquid quantities as needed.

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

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5 from 136 reviews

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, fluffy baked treats combining creamy ricotta cheese with the fragrant flavors of almond and vanilla. These lightly sweetened pillows feature a tender crumb studded with crunchy slivered almonds and are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: About 18–20 pillows 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

For Baking

• Butter or oil for greasing the baking sheet

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
4. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the pillows tender.
5. Add Almonds: Fold in the slivered almonds carefully to evenly distribute the crunchy texture throughout the dough.
6. Shape Pillows: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and shape them into small pillows or balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pillows have puffed up slightly and turned a light golden color on top.
8. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pillows to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps them set and maintain their texture.
9. Dust with Sugar and Serve: Once completely cool, dust the pillows generously with powdered sugar to add a sweet finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure the ricotta cheese is well drained to avoid a soggy dough.
• You can substitute slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Store the almonds pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Do not overbake to maintain their soft texture; watch for light golden color as a sign of doneness.

Keywords: ricotta pillows, almond pillows, soft ricotta cookies, almond flavored treats, baked ricotta snacks