Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows That Melt in Your Mouth Recipe

Introduction

These Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Soft, airy, and subtly sweet, they are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or an elegant dessert.

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 the mixture is 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, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Step 5: Fold in the slivered almonds evenly throughout the dough for added texture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into small pillow-like balls and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pillows turn lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, try substituting ricotta with a plant-based alternative like almond ricotta.
• Adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter can brighten the flavor.
• Toasting the slivered almonds lightly before folding them in enhances their nutty aroma.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, sprinkle additional slivered almonds on top before baking.

Storage

Store these ricotta almond pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven before serving to refresh their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone or blended cottage cheese can be used as alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows That Melt in Your Mouth Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 pillows 1x

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Description

These Light and Fluffy Ricotta Almond Pillows are delightful melt-in-your-mouth treats, featuring a soft ricotta-based dough infused with almond flavor and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a light dessert or an afternoon snack, these pillows combine the richness of ricotta with the delicate crunch of slivered almonds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ricotta Almond Pillow Dough

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

For Finishing

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 egg. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
4. Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture gently, taking care not to overmix to maintain a fluffy consistency.
5. Add Almonds: Fold in the slivered almonds evenly throughout the dough to add a subtle crunch and almond flavor.
6. Shape Dough: Shape the dough into pillow-like balls using your hands and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pillows turn lightly golden on the edges, indicating they are cooked through.
8. Cool and Finish: Remove from the oven and let the pillows cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or blended cottage cheese if desired for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep the pillows tender and fluffy.
• Ensure even spacing of dough balls on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation and even baking.
• Dust with powdered sugar only after cooling to prevent melting and sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: ricotta pillows, almond cookies, light desserts, fluffy baked treats, easy Italian dessert