Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are a delightful Italian-inspired treat that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the nutty flavor of almonds. These pillow-shaped cookies are known for their soft, moist interior and slightly crisp exterior, making them a favorite for many during festive seasons and special occasions.

The origin of these cookies can be traced back to traditional Italian baking, where ricotta cheese is a common ingredient in desserts. Ricotta, meaning “recooked” in Italian, is a whey cheese known for its creamy consistency and mild flavor. When incorporated into baked goods, it imparts a moist and tender crumb, elevating the overall texture of the cookies.

Almonds, another staple in Italian cuisine, bring a rich, nutty flavor that complements the mildness of ricotta. The combination of these two ingredients results in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making these cookies irresistible.

These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. They are particularly popular during the holiday season, often featured in Christmas cookie assortments. Their delicate flavor pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.

In addition to their delightful taste, Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are relatively simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve excellent results. The key to their softness lies in the ricotta cheese, which keeps the cookies moist and tender for days.

Whether you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire or seeking a new cookie recipe to impress your guests, Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are an excellent choice. Their unique combination of ingredients and delightful texture make them stand out among other cookies.

Ingredients

To prepare Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows, gather the following ingredients:

• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup of whole-milk ricotta cheese. The ricotta adds moisture and a creamy texture to the cookies, ensuring they remain soft and tender.
• Almond Flour: 1 cup of finely ground almond flour. This imparts a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to the cookies’ delicate crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour. It provides structure to the cookies, balancing the moisture from the ricotta and ensuring they hold their shape.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar. This sweetens the cookies and aids in achieving a slightly crisp exterior.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (one stick) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Butter adds richness and flavor, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature. Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to combine the ingredients and provide structure.
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This leavening agent ensures the cookies rise properly, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the almond and ricotta notes.
• Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon of almond extract. This intensifies the almond flavor, making the cookies more aromatic and flavorful.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the almond and ricotta.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished cookies. This optional garnish adds a touch of sweetness and a festive appearance.

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, promoting uniform rising and flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation. Then, mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
5. Incorporate Ricotta Cheese: Gently fold in the ricotta cheese using a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Ensure the ricotta is

Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows is a straightforward process, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final results. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Not Draining Ricotta Properly: Ricotta cheese often contains excess moisture, which can make the dough too wet and sticky. If the ricotta is watery, be sure to drain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the batter. Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much or have a gummy texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Baking is precise, and the temperature of your ingredients matters. Always use room-temperature eggs, butter, and ricotta to ensure they incorporate evenly into the batter. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to become lumpy or improperly mixed.
• Overmixing the Dough: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense and tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.
• Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly: Precision is key in baking. Too much flour can make the cookies dry, while too much sugar can cause them to spread excessively. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to measure your ingredients accurately.
• Skipping the Preheating Step: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking. Starting with a cold oven can result in unevenly baked cookies that lack the desired texture.
• Baking for Too Long: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can cause them to lose their softness and become dry. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed but still soft to the touch.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Give the cookies enough space on the baking sheet to expand during baking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven spreading and baking.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Moving them too soon can cause them to break apart, as they are delicate when warm.

Ingredient Alternatives

While the original recipe for Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows is delightful, you can experiment with ingredient substitutions to suit dietary preferences or availability:

• Ricotta Cheese Alternatives: If ricotta is unavailable, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or cottage cheese. For cottage cheese, blend it until smooth to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
• Almond Flour Substitutes: If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground cashew or hazelnut flour can be used as a replacement. Note that these will alter the flavor profile slightly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for best results.
• Sugar Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol for a lower-sugar version. Keep in mind that these alternatives may affect the texture and color of the cookies.
• Butter Replacements: Use plant-based butter or margarine for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil can also work but may impart a mild coconut flavor.
• Egg Substitutes: To make the cookies egg-free, use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon seeds + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) is another effective egg replacement.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like orange, lemon, or hazelnut instead of almond extract for unique flavor twists. You can also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced version.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with additional all-purpose flour and omit the almond extract. The result will still be delicious, though less nutty in flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Creating Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows is an enjoyable baking experience, but a few expert tips can elevate your cookies to perfection. Here are some tricks to ensure success and achieve bakery-quality results:

• Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough. This ensures even baking and consistent sizing, giving your cookies a professional look.
• Add a Touch of Zest: Incorporate grated lemon or orange zest into the batter for a fresh, citrusy note that complements the almond and ricotta flavors beautifully.
• Experiment with Fillings: Before baking, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and add a dollop of jam, Nutella, or almond paste for a delightful surprise.
• Use High-Quality Almond Extract: The almond extract is a key flavor component. Opt for a high-quality brand to ensure a rich and natural almond flavor in your cookies.
• Line Baking Sheets Properly: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even browning.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: Since these cookies are meant to be soft, it’s better to slightly underbake them than overbake. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and allow residual heat to finish the cooking process.
• Store Correctly: To maintain their softness, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a piece of parchment paper between layers. The bread helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies tender.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it convenient for busy schedules or events.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finishing touch, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This adds sweetness and enhances their presentation.

Suggestions

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are versatile cookies that lend themselves well to various occasions and pairings. Here are some ideas to enjoy and share them:

• Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and indulgent snack.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. They make a thoughtful homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Party Dessert Table: Include these cookies as part of a dessert spread. Their delicate appearance and soft texture make them a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Favorites: Add them to your holiday cookie platter for a festive touch. Their almond flavor and powdered sugar topping complement traditional holiday treats.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get children involved by letting them shape the dough or sprinkle powdered sugar. It’s a fun and easy recipe for budding bakers.
• Pair with Beverages: Pair these cookies with beverages like hot cocoa, almond milk, or a dessert wine for an elevated experience.
• Experiment with Shapes: Roll the dough into balls, crescents, or other creative shapes to suit the occasion. For example, heart-shaped cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• Customizable Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to create different flavor combinations.
• Breakfast Delight: Serve them as a sweet addition to a weekend brunch alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
• Freeze for Later: Bake a double batch and freeze the extras. Simply thaw and enjoy whenever you need a quick treat.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows, along with helpful answers to guide you:

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?
  Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and bake as directed.
• What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
  Sticky dough can result from excess moisture in the ricotta. Draining the ricotta thoroughly before use helps prevent this. If the dough remains sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up or add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the texture improves.
• Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
  Yes, low-fat ricotta can be used, but the cookies may not be as rich and creamy as when using full-fat ricotta. Ensure it is well-drained to avoid adding extra moisture.
• Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
  This can happen if the dough is too warm or contains excess liquid. Chilling the dough before baking and using well-drained ricotta can help. Also, make sure your baking sheet is not warm when placing the dough on it.
• How long do these cookies stay fresh?
  When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows remain fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
  Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure and texture.
• What if I don’t like almond flavor?
  You can omit the almond extract and use vanilla extract instead. The cookies will still be soft and delicious, though the almond flavor will be absent.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Absolutely! The recipe doubles well, making it perfect for larger gatherings or holiday baking.
• Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
  It’s not necessary if you’re using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If using a bare baking sheet, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
• What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
  These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Conclusion

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients to create a truly delightful treat. These cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with a delicate almond flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a casual tea time, a festive celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies never disappoint.

The recipe’s versatility allows you to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them. By following the tips, tricks, and advice provided, you’ll achieve consistently excellent results and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Baking these cookies is not just about creating a dessert—it’s about the joy of the process and the pleasure of sharing something homemade with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the soft and flavorful magic of Ricotta Almond Pillows.

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Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe

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• Author: Emilline Labrita

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, well-drained
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the egg and almond extract to the bowl. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
• Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
• Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are slightly golden.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch (optional)