Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are the perfect treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert. With their light, airy texture and nutty flavor from the almond flour, these cookies melt in your mouth. The subtle sweetness from the ricotta and powdered sugar makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these Ricotta Almond Pillows are sure to please.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
These Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are not just simple cookies; they offer a unique combination of flavors and textures. The creaminess of ricotta pairs beautifully with the nutty almond flour, creating a delicate dessert that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. They’re quick to prepare and make a lovely addition to any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Plus, they are gluten-light thanks to almond flour, making them a delightful option for those who may be gluten-sensitive.
How to Make Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to have your oven at the right temperature to ensure even baking.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain to create a creamy batter that will yield soft cookies.
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Step 3: Cooking
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each dollop to allow for spreading as they bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will puff up slightly during baking.
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Step 4: Finishing
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.
How to Serve Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
These delightful pillows can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them at a dessert table alongside fruit or chocolate sauces for dipping. Their light texture makes them perfect under a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Store Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
Store your Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze unbaked dollops of the mixture on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
- Use full-fat ricotta for a richer taste and creamier texture.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Adjust the size of the dollops depending on how large you want your cookies to be; just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Feel free to sprinkle a few slivered almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Almond Pillows: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Nutty Raisin Pillows: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for additional texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta, but the texture and flavor may be slightly less rich. -
What’s the best way to serve the cookies?
They’re delicious on their own but are also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream or served alongside fresh berries. -
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too warm at the start, and the dough should be chilled slightly before baking if you notice excessive spreading. -
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
You can substitute with all-purpose flour; just keep in mind the flavor and texture will alter slightly, and you may need to adjust the amount used. -
How can I tell when they’re done baking?
They should be lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Conclusion
Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With their lovely flavor and soft texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether to share with friends or savor on your own, these pillows are worth baking. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these sweet delights fresh from your oven!
Print
Heavenly Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies made with ricotta and almond flour, perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Drop dollops of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each dollop. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat ricotta for best results. Adjust baking time based on cookie size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
