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Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

4.6 from 134 reviews

Delightfully soft and lightly sweet almond-flavored ricotta pillows that make a perfect delicate treat. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies feature a creamy ricotta base combined with almond flour and extracts, baked to a tender, slightly chewy perfection with a crisp almond topping.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • Sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, almond flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the batter is smooth, creamy, and slightly thick.
  3. Shape the Pillows: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon, then sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top for crunch and visual appeal.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pillows are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Ricotta cheese should be well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  • You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free dessert, confirm that your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
  • Store these pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For an extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling on top.

Keywords: ricotta dessert, almond pillows, soft cookies, gluten free dessert, Italian cookies, almond flour recipes