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Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are delicate, tender cookies featuring a creamy ricotta cheese base blended with almond flour and aromatic extracts. These lightly sweetened pillows are flavored with hints of almond, vanilla, and lemon zest, baked to a soft golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them an elegant treat perfect for teatime or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Finishing

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Combine Ricotta, Almond Flour, and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, almond flour, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until a slightly sticky dough forms, signaling readiness for shaping.
  4. Shape the Dough: Use a spoon to scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each portion gently into small balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating doneness.
  6. Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their soft texture.
  7. Dust and Serve: Once completely cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving to add a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the ricotta cheese is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
  • The lemon zest adds brightness; you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
  • Cookies will be soft when warm but firm up slightly upon cooling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For a nut-free version, almond flour can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend, but texture and flavor will differ.

Keywords: ricotta cookies, almond flour cookies, soft cookies, gluten free dessert, lemon zest cookies, almond extract cookies, easy baked treats

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/soft-ricotta-almond-pillows-recipe/