Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delicate texture and sweet almond flavor of these light and fluffy ricotta almond pillows. These little treats melt in your mouth and are perfect for a simple dessert or an elegant snack with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Substitution: Mascarpone or blended cottage cheese as alternatives)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend if desired)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/3 cup Slivered Almonds
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting)
• 1 tablespoon Butter or Oil (For greasing the pan)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture using a spatula or spoon. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Fold in the slivered almonds evenly throughout the dough to add a subtle crunch.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into small pillow-like balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the cookies turn lightly golden at the edges.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the pillows cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute ricotta with mascarpone cheese or a well-blended cottage cheese.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Press a whole almond into the top of each pillow before baking for a decorative touch.

Storage

Store the ricotta almond pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pillows dairy-free?

Yes, you can try using a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from almonds or tofu, and substitute butter with a plant-based oil. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the pillows from spreading too much while baking?

Avoid overmixing the dough and make sure the baking powder is fresh. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before shaping can help maintain their shape during baking.

Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: About 15–20 pillows 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastries with a tender texture and a subtle almond flavor. Perfect for a light dessert or an elegant tea-time treat, these pillows combine the creamy richness of ricotta with the crunch of slivered almonds, lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Substitution: Mascarpone or blended cottage cheese as alternatives)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend if desired)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/3 cup Slivered Almonds

For Dusting and Preparation

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting)
• 1 tablespoon Butter or Oil (For greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture gently. Be careful not to overmix, which could cause the pillows to become dense.
5. Add Almonds: Fold in the slivered almonds evenly throughout the dough to add a pleasant crunch and almond flavor in every bite.
6. Shape Dough: Shape the dough into small pillow-like balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pillows turn lightly golden on the edges.
8. Cool and Dust: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pillows cool on a wire rack for approximately 10 minutes. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ricotta cheese with mascarpone or blended cottage cheese for a different texture and flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the pillows light and fluffy.
• Shape the dough into evenly sized pillows to ensure uniform baking.
• These pillows are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Ricotta pillows, almond pillows, light dessert, fluffy pastries, ricotta cheese recipe, almond extract dessert, easy baked treats, Italian desserts