Ricotta Almond Pillows Delight

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Ricotta Almond Pillows combine creamy ricotta cheese and finely-ground almond flour for a uniquely soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is brought together with egg, sugar, almond and vanilla extracts, and enlivened by fresh lemon zest. Lightly shaped and baked until golden, these airy cookies are showered with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. Perfect for teatime or as a sweet gift, their fragrant almond and citrus profile makes them irresistible for anyone who loves delicate pastries.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:49:50 GMT
A plate of powdered sugar covered almonds. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar covered almonds. | cookingkitchn.com

Ricotta Almond Pillows are everything I crave when I want an easy homemade treat that tastes bakery-worthy but uses only simple kitchen staples. These cookies are soft and pillowy with a hint of lemon and almond so each bite feels luxurious yet comfortingly familiar. They disappear in a flash at our family gatherings and are the perfect way to bring a gentle sweetness to afternoon coffee or tea.

I first whipped these up to use up a tub of ricotta and now my friends always ask for the recipe after just one bite

Ingredients

  • Ricotta cheese: Gives these cookies their signature pillowy texture always pick full fat for richer flavor and check the date for freshness
  • Almond flour: Brings a delicate nuttiness and structure use fine ground for best results
  • Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness look for superfine sugar for easy blending
  • Egg: Binds and helps cookies rise choose large and fresh
  • Almond extract: Boosts nutty aroma a little goes a long way so measure carefully
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors try pure vanilla for best taste
  • Lemon zest: Brightens the whole batch always zest the lemon right before using for maximum freshness
  • Salt: Balances and enhances flavor use fine sea salt or table salt
  • Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift check yours is fresh by testing in a little water
  • Powdered sugar: For dusting adds a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness sift if you want no lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper this prevents the delicate dough from sticking and ensures even browning
Mix the Base:
Combine ricotta cheese almond flour and granulated sugar in a large bowl stir thoroughly until everything is completely smooth and no streaks of flour remain the ricotta should blend right in
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Crack the egg straight into your ricotta mixture add almond extract vanilla extract lemon zest salt and baking powder now mix until you have a slightly sticky uniform dough scrape down the sides so all the ingredients are evenly combined
Shape the Pillows:
Scoop up about one tablespoon of dough and gently roll it between your palms into a small ball if the dough sticks to your hands wet them lightly with water space each cookie about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet
Bake to Perfection:
Slide the tray onto the middle rack and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes cookies should look slightly golden underneath and feel gently set around the collar be careful not to overbake as the cookies firm up as they cool
Cool Down:
Let the cookies sit on the pan for a few minutes then transfer with a spatula to a wire rack this helps them cool quickly and keeps their pillowy texture
Finish and Serve:
Once completely cool sift powdered sugar on top of each cookie for a snowy and irresistible finish serve with coffee or tea and enjoy every bite
Two white powdered donuts with almonds on a table. Pin it
Two white powdered donuts with almonds on a table. | cookingkitchn.com

If you love almond flavor as much as I do do not skimp on the almond extract It is my favorite part and I always sneak a little extra in when making a double batch Once my grandmother tasted these she asked me to bring them for every holiday

How to Store

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to three days If you plan to keep them longer you can refrigerate in a well sealed box for up to a week and the cookies will still stay soft Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking They also freeze wonderfully Just thaw at room temp and dust with a little more powdered sugar before serving

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have almond flour use finely ground blanched almonds for a similar result Cottage cheese can be swapped in a pinch just drain through a fine mesh to eliminate excess moisture For lemon zest orange zest works too and offers a beautiful Mediterranean twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ricotta Almond Pillows with espresso for an Italian inspired break or beside afternoon tea when friends visit They are great to pack in lunchboxes or share at picnics My sister adds fresh berries on the side for a summery plate

A Sweet History

Ricotta and almond are a classic combo in Italian baking You will spot similar cookies in Sicilian bakeries where almond is beloved for its texture and flavor Using ricotta makes these cookies especially tender and highlights the connection to Mediterranean dessert traditions

A plate of powdered sugar covered almonds. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar covered almonds. | cookingkitchn.com

Every time I make Ricotta Almond Pillows I remember spooning the dough onto pans with my kids laughing at all the shapes they made Some were lopsided but every single one was delicious and packed with that perfect almond lemon aroma

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives these cookies their soft texture?

Ricotta cheese, combined with almond flour, keeps the interior moist and tender while baking, resulting in a pillowy bite.

→ Can I substitute another flour for almond flour?

Almond flour provides a distinct nuttiness and softness, but finely ground hazelnut or cashew meal could be used as alternatives.

→ Is it possible to make these treats ahead of time?

Yes, once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Add powdered sugar just before serving for freshness.

→ Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn't required, as the dough is slightly sticky but manageable. Shaping with a spoon helps keep portions even.

→ What flavor does the lemon zest add?

Lemon zest brightens the almond and ricotta flavors, offering a subtle fresh note that pairs well with the tender texture.

Ricotta Almond Pillows Dessert

Tender almond and ricotta pillows with lemon zest, finished with powdered sugar. Soft, light, and flavorful.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: Makes approximately 18 small cookies

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 240 g ricotta cheese
02 60 g almond flour
03 50 g granulated sugar
04 1 large egg
05 2.5 ml almond extract
06 2.5 ml vanilla extract
07 Zest of 1 lemon
08 1.25 ml salt
09 2.5 ml baking powder

→ Finishing

10 Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, almond flour, and granulated sugar together until smooth.

Step 03

Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder to the mixture. Mix until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 04

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into small balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 5 cm of space between them.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges.

Step 06

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 07

Once fully cooled, dust each cookie with powdered sugar.

Notes

  1. Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to achieve a dough that holds its shape and bakes evenly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta), eggs, and tree nuts (almond flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 65
  • Total Fat: 3.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 2.7 g