Why Make This Recipe
Almond Ricotta Scones are a delightful treat that combine the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the nutty flavor of almonds. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your afternoon tea or coffee. These scones are not only easy to make, but they also offer a unique twist on traditional scones with the added moisture from ricotta. Plus, they can be enhanced with a simple glaze for an extra sweet touch.
How to Make Almond Ricotta Scones
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the sliced almonds.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter to shape the scones.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the scones are done baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones.
How to Serve Almond Ricotta Scones
Almond Ricotta Scones are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them as they are or pair them with butter, jam, or honey. They also go very well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely addition to any brunch gathering or a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store Almond Ricotta Scones
After they have cooled, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven briefly to bring back their warmth and texture before serving.
Tips to Make Almond Ricotta Scones
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overwork the dough; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Experiment with adding other types of nuts or dried fruits for different flavors.
- Enjoy the scones fresh for the best taste, but they can also be reheated.
Variation
You can add different ingredients such as chocolate chips, cranberries, or citrus zest to customize the flavor of your scones. Almond extract can also be switched out for vanilla or orange extract for a different taste profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make these scones without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the sliced almonds if you prefer a nut-free version.
2. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Almond Ricotta Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful scones combining the rich creaminess of ricotta with the nutty flavor of almonds, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, and almond extract; mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add dry ingredients to ricotta mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in sliced almonds if using.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently and pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter to shape scones.
- Place scones on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
- While scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth; adjust consistency as needed.
- Once scones are done, cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Drizzle glaze over warm scones.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey for a delightful treat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American