Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From preparation to baking, these treats come together in just 30 minutes.
- Delicate Flavor: A subtle blend of ricotta and almond extracts creates a sophisticated taste.
- Versatile: Serve them warm for a cozy dessert or enjoy them at room temperature as a snack.
- Elegant Presentation: Sprinkled with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, they look as good as they taste.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, these treats are perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, almond flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Shape Pillows: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the pillows to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12 pillows
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 120 per pillow
Variations
- Lemon Ricotta: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut along with the sliced almonds for a tropical touch.
- Cinnamon: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Orange Almond: Replace the vanilla extract with orange extract for a fruity variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the ricotta almond pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or enjoy them as-is.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the texture will change. Almond flour adds a tender, slightly nutty quality that’s unique to this recipe.
2. Can I freeze these pillows?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and warm before serving.
3. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Mascarpone or cream cheese can be used, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
4. Are these suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, using a sugar substitute like erythritol can make this recipe low-carb friendly.
5. Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, but the almond extract enhances the nutty flavor. Vanilla alone will still yield a delicious result.
6. Can I make these pillows ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
7. What can I serve these with?
Pair them with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
8. How do I prevent them from spreading too much while baking?
Ensure the batter is thick enough; if it’s too loose, add a bit more almond flour. Chilling the batter for 10 minutes can also help.
9. Can I use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients?
Yes, a stand mixer can be used, but mixing by hand ensures you don’t overwork the batter.
10. Why did my pillows turn out dense?
Overmixing or using old baking powder could cause them to lose their airy texture.
Conclusion
Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their tender texture, delicate sweetness, and elegant presentation, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Try them with one of the variations or stick to the classic recipe—you can’t go wrong!
Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pillows
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, naturally gluten-free treats with a sweet almond flavor and tender texture. These easy-to-make desserts are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, almond flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten gently and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Let cool for a few minutes, transfer to a wire rack, and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- To prevent spreading, chill the batter for 10 minutes before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
