Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s irresistibly soft, delicately sweet, and brimming with warm, nutty almond flavor? These Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are a delight! Picture this: a tender, fluffy bite that melts on your tongue, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that perfect finish. These little pillows bring comfort to a whole new level, and they’re shockingly easy to make!

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies will surprise you with their simplicity and elegance. Plus, with only 85 calories per cookie, they’re a light indulgence you can enjoy any time!

Why You’ll Love These Ricotta Almond Pillows

1. Deliciously Soft Texture: The ricotta cheese brings an incredible moisture and tenderness, making these cookies melt-in-your-mouth soft.

2. Subtle Sweetness and Nutty Flavor: Almond flour and almond extract bring a warm nuttiness, while lemon zest adds a hint of freshness.

3. Easy and Quick to Make: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, these cookies are an effortless treat.

4. Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, these cookies are a gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

So let’s get baking and make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!

Ingredients for Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows

Here’s everything you’ll need for these soft, delightful almond pillows:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese – The secret to the moist, tender texture.
• 1/2 cup almond flour – Adds nutty flavor and keeps it gluten-free.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough to bring sweetness without overpowering.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – For that unmistakable almond flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• Zest of 1 lemon – Brightens up the flavor with a hint of citrus.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – For a little lift.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting – Optional, but adds a lovely finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Spoon for scooping dough
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, almond flour, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder, and stir until fully combined. The dough will be slightly sticky—that’s okay!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking for the softest texture.

Step 5: Cool and Dust

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

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Serving Suggestions

These Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them extra special:

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing treat.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Melt some dark or white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an added touch of luxury.
• With Fresh Berries: Pair them with raspberries or strawberries for a fresh, light dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Ricotta Almond Pillows

• Use Fresh Ricotta: For the best texture, make sure your ricotta cheese is fresh and not too watery. If it seems watery, drain it slightly before using.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add a bit more sugar or a drizzle of honey on top.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay soft and tender, so be careful not to overbake. They’re ready when the edges are just turning golden.

Storage Instructions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
• Freezing: Freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. To serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies without almond flour?
Yes, if you don’t need them to be gluten-free, you can substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious!

2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
You can try substituting the ricotta with a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from nuts or tofu, though the texture may vary.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy twist, or swap the lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus flavor.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

Try These Other Cozy Fall Recipes!

If you love these Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows, you’ll adore these comforting treats too:

• Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta – A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is a holiday favorite!
• Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars – A chewy, spiced twist on a classic cookie.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins – Fluffy, pumpkin-packed muffins with a cinnamon sugar topping!

If you try this recipe, please leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Pinterest so others can see your delicious creations! Happy baking!

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