Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe
Introduction
Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, lightly sweet cookies with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Flavored with almond and vanilla extracts plus a hint of lemon zest, they make a delightful treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, almond flour, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder to the bowl. Mix everything until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Use a spoon to scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently shape it into a small ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the almond flour lightly before mixing it into the dough.
- Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus twist.
- If you want a gluten-free treat, confirm your baking powder is gluten-free.
- For a richer texture, replace half the ricotta with cream cheese.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes or enjoy at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture will be less tender and the flavor less nutty. For best results, stick to almond flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
PrintSoft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe
Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, tender cookies with a light almond flavor and a hint of lemon zest. Made with ricotta cheese and almond flour, these pillows offer a moist and airy texture, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect as a light dessert or teatime treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and helps with even baking.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, almond flour, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add Flavorings and Leavening: Mix in the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Continue mixing until you form a slightly sticky dough that will hold shape.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the dough and gently roll it into small balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the ricotta cheese is well drained to avoid excess moisture which can affect the texture.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract slightly but avoid overpowering the lemon zest.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute ricotta with a firm tofu or vegan cream cheese alternative.
Keywords: Ricotta cookies, almond flour cookies, soft desserts, gluten free cookies, almond pillows, lemon zest cookies
