If you have a soft spot for delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats, then Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows will quickly become your new obsession. These light little pillows combine the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the subtle sweetness of almond and vanilla extracts, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery dough that bakes to perfection. Each bite is a harmonious mix of fluffy texture and nutty crunch, offering a comforting and elegant experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them as an irresistible dessert, Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are the perfect blend of simple ingredients and delightful flavors that you’ll want to make again and again.

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things straightforward yet flavorful is what makes Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows shine. Each ingredient plays a vital role—ricotta brings creamy softness, almonds add a crunch and nuttiness, while the extracts boost delicate aromatic notes that tie everything together.

Ricotta cheese: The creamy base that keeps these pillows soft and moist.

Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.

Almond extract: Provides that unmistakable nutty essence that defines these bites.
Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds tenderness.

All-purpose flour: The structure builder that gives these pillows their shape and fluff.
Baking powder: Helps the dough puff up lightly in the oven.
Salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.

Slivered almonds: Adds texture and that lovely crunch in every bite.
Powdered sugar: For that final dusting that adds a pretty, sweet finish.
Butter or oil: Used for greasing your baking sheet to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.

How to Make Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Before starting your dough, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to ensure your pillows come off easily and bake evenly. Setting up your workspace is key to a smooth process.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination is where the softness and lovely aroma begin to develop.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps incorporate air, making your Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows light and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly after each addition. This careful blending brings everything together in a soft, smooth dough that’s ready for almonds.

Step 5: Fold in the Slivered Almonds

Gently fold the slivered almonds into the dough, making sure they are evenly dispersed. These almonds provide delightful bursts of texture that contrast beautifully with the soft dough.

Step 6: Shape the Pillows

Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and shape each portion into small, plump pillows or balls. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Look for a light golden color and a slightly puffed appearance—these signs mean your Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are ready to come out and cool.

Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, transfer the pillows to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re no longer warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar to add a beautiful, sweet finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.

How to Serve Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or a light drizzle of honey over your Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows. A few fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon can also brighten the flavors and add a splash of color.

Side Dishes

These soft pillows pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon treat. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a light dessert that’s both satisfying and pretty.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these pillows in a pretty bowl lined with a colorful napkin for casual gatherings, or arrange them delicately on a serving platter with flowers and greenery for special occasions. You can even sandwich a bit of lemon curd or jam between two pillows for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their delicate texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these pillows by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to two months, preserving their soft texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm frozen or leftover Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle reheating revives their delicate softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use part-skim ricotta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Part-skim ricotta works fine, though whole-milk ricotta will give you a richer and creamier texture that makes those Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows extra decadent.

Is almond extract necessary or can I omit it?

While almond extract is key for that classic nutty flavor, you can reduce or omit it if you prefer. You might want to add a little extra vanilla extract for balance if leaving almond out.

Can I substitute the slivered almonds with another nut?

Yes, you can swap slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans to vary the nutty crunch. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but still delicious.

How do I know when Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are done baking?

They should be lightly golden on top and slightly puffed. When gently pressed, they’ll feel set but still soft. Keep an eye at the 15-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking to get the best rise and texture.

Final Thoughts

Soft Ricotta Almond Pillows are one of those delightful treats that feel fancy but are surprisingly simple to make. Their tender texture, combined with the fragrant almond and vanilla profile, makes them a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll find these pillows are as comforting as they are delicious, and sure to become a favorite that friends and family will ask for again and again.