Soft Ricotta Pistachio Pillow Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The ricotta cheese keeps the cookies incredibly soft and tender.
  • Pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a pop of color.
  • Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe approachable.
  • These cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
  • They’re versatile—great for holidays, parties, or just an everyday treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  3. Cream Butter: In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the ricotta mixture until fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
  5. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Lightly press to create a pillow shape.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Garnish: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra pistachios on top.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your delicious cookies with your favorite beverage!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 130 calories per cookie

Variations

  • Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Nut Swap: Substitute pistachios with almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat ricotta?

Yes, but full-fat ricotta provides a creamier texture and richer flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake when ready.

3. Do I need to toast the pistachios?

Toasting is optional but enhances the nutty flavor of the pistachios.

4. Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract if preferred.

5. Why are my cookies too flat?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

6. Can I use a cookie press for shaping?

These cookies are soft, so hand-shaping or using a scoop works best.

7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, their unique flavor and softness make them an excellent gift option.

8. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Sure! Adjust the baking time slightly to accommodate the size difference.

9. Can I replace pistachios with another nut or omit them?

Yes, feel free to substitute with other nuts or skip them for a nut-free version.

10. How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the sheet?

Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy release.

Conclusion

Soft Ricotta Pistachio Pillow Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances creamy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with your family, their unique flavor and softness make them irresistible. Try this recipe today and experience the magic of pistachios and ricotta in cookie form!

 


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Soft Ricotta Pistachio Pillow Cookies


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft Ricotta Pistachio Pillow Cookies combine creamy ricotta with crunchy pistachios to create irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Perfect for tea time, holiday trays, or as an everyday indulgence, these elegant cookies will impress every time.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix Ricotta Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  • Cream Butter: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the ricotta mixture, blending well.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour and baking powder in another bowl. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently incorporate chopped pistachios.
  • Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Slightly flatten into pillow shapes.
  • Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Garnish: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional pistachios on top.

Notes

  • For a citrus twist, add 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest.
  • Toasting the pistachios enhances their flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing to ensure soft, tender cookies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

 

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