Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows are a delightful treat that brings a mix of flavors and textures to your table. These little pillows are soft, sweet, and have a nutty crunch from the almond flour and sliced almonds on top. They’re perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels!
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
- In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Take a spoonful of the dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling in the center, then carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to form a thick pillow shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Place the assembled pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each pillow for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown.
- Allow the pillows to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows
You can serve these tasty pillows warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top not only adds a sweet touch but also makes them look lovely. They pair well with coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. For a special dessert, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows
To keep your Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best dough consistency.
- When filling the pillows, don’t overstuff them, or they may burst while baking.
- Experiment with different extracts or add a hint of orange zest for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
Feel free to adjust the flavors by using different types of flour or adding cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version. You can also swap the almond extract for other extracts, like hazelnut or coconut, to create a different taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
A1: Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. Almond flour gives a unique taste and softness to the pillows.
Q2: Can I freeze the Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows?
A2: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer into a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
Q3: What can I serve with these pillows?
A3: These pillows go great with fruit, whipped cream, or a simple vanilla sauce. Enjoy them with coffee or as a dessert after dinner!
Creamy Ricotta Almond Pillows
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful creamy ricotta almond pillows that are soft, sweet, and nutty, perfect for gatherings or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
- In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Take a spoonful of the dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the ricotta filling in the center, then carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to form a thick pillow shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Place the assembled pillows on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each pillow for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown.
- Allow the pillows to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature; pairs well with coffee or milk. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian