These Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are the perfect blend of light, fluffy texture with rich almond flavor. The ricotta cheese creates an incredibly tender crumb while the subtle almond notes add a sophisticated taste that elevates this simple treat. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these pillows are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Pure Comfort
There’s something undeniably comforting about these soft, pillowy treats. The gentle sweetness combined with the warm aroma of almond creates an experience that feels like a warm hug. These ricotta almond pillows are perfect for cozy mornings with coffee or as a soothing end to a long day. The comforting simplicity of these treats makes them an instant classic in any home.
Ingredients
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup almond flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
What You Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar)
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Drain Time: 30 minutes (for ricotta)
- Baking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels and let drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta, eggs, sugar, and almond extract. Beat until smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set but not browned.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Make It Perfect
For truly perfect ricotta almond pillows, make sure your ricotta is well-drained – this prevents the dough from becoming too wet. When mixing the dough, use a light hand and stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated to ensure the pillows stay soft and fluffy. For uniform pillows, use a cookie scoop rather than a spoon. Finally, watch the baking time carefully – these delicate treats should remain pale on top with just a hint of golden color on the bottom.
Mix It Up
There are countless ways to customize these ricotta pillows. Try adding lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist, or fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter version. You can substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract, or use a combination of both. For a more pronounced almond flavor, increase the almond flour to ½ cup and reduce the all-purpose flour accordingly. Add a handful of chopped dried cherries or cranberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
Perfect Partners
Serve these pillows with a dusting of powdered sugar for simplicity, or drizzle with honey for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a spoonful of lemon curd. In the morning, enjoy with a cappuccino or latte; in the evening, try with a glass of dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti.
Busy Day Hero
These ricotta almond pillows are the perfect solution for busy days when you need a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. The batter comes together in minutes, and the simple drop-and-bake method means no rolling, cutting, or shaping required. Keep the ingredients on hand for those moments when unexpected guests arrive or when you need a quick homemade treat for a last-minute gathering.
Work Ahead
You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. The baked pillows can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. Re-dust with powdered sugar just before serving if they’ve been stored.
Save Some For Later
These pillows freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if desired. Add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Everyone’s Happy
These versatile treats are suitable for many dietary preferences with simple modifications. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup and serve without the powdered sugar dusting. Kids love these pillowy treats, while adults appreciate their sophisticated flavor profile and not-too-sweet taste.
Good For You Too
Ricotta provides a good source of protein and calcium, making these pillows more nutritious than many sweet treats. The almond flour adds healthy fats and a bit of extra protein. For a healthier version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the sugar by half. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber without significantly changing the texture.
Easy Clean Up
This recipe requires minimal dishes – just two mixing bowls, measuring tools, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up. The drop-cookie method means no messy counters from rolling out dough. Since the dough is relatively firm, there’s little risk of splatter or spills during preparation, making this a great recipe for baking with kids.
Switch It Up
For seasonal variations, try adding different flavor profiles: cinnamon and nutmeg in fall, peppermint extract during the holidays, or lavender in spring. You can also shape the dough into larger portions and flatten slightly for a more cookie-like treat, or make tiny bite-sized pillows for elegant tea service. For special occasions, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Simply Perfect
The beauty of these Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows lies in their simplicity. The few quality ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The lightness of the ricotta, the subtle flavor of almond, and the gentle sweetness make these pillows a truly special treat that feels both homey and sophisticated at the same time.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, part-skim ricotta works well in this recipe, though whole milk ricotta produces a slightly richer result. Avoid fat-free ricotta as it contains more moisture and can make the dough too wet.
Why did my pillows spread too much?
This usually happens if the ricotta wasn’t drained properly. Make sure to let it drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I make these dairy-free?
While traditional ricotta is essential for the authentic texture, you can experiment with homemade almond milk ricotta for a dairy-free version. The texture will be different but still delicious.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The pillows should be set on top but still pale. Look for a light golden color on the bottom edges. They will be soft when hot but will firm up slightly as they cool.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Finely chopped toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts make excellent additions. Add about ¼ cup to the dough when incorporating the dry ingredients.
Why are my pillows too dense?
Overmixing the dough can develop too much gluten, resulting in dense pillows. Mix until just combined for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
Can I make these with a different flavor than almond?
Yes! Substitute the almond extract with vanilla, lemon, or orange extract, and replace the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
These Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are a testament to the beauty of simple, quality ingredients combined with care. Their light, fluffy texture and subtle almond flavor make them versatile enough for any occasion, from casual breakfast to elegant dessert. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, they’re sure to become a treasured recipe in your collection. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee, served to guests, or savored as a sweet ending to your day, these pillows offer a moment of pure comfort and delight.
More Italian Delights to Try
If you enjoyed making these Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows, you might love exploring more Italian-inspired treats and hearty meals. Try the Cannoli Cookie Cups for a delightful twist on the classic dessert, or indulge in the creamy goodness of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes. For a fruity and refreshing option, the Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites are a must-try. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider the rich and comforting Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi or the rustic and flavorful Calabrian Fig Mostarda, perfect as a spread or accompaniment. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨