There’s something so special about the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven, isn’t there? It instantly brings warmth to your home, evoking cozy memories of family gatherings and shared laughter. Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a dream — Soft Pistachio Ricotta Pillow Cookies! These little beauties are a sweet twist on a classic cookie, combining the creamy richness of ricotta with the delicate crunch of pistachios. Trust me when I say — they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Before we dive into this recipe, I have to take a moment to thank you for being here! If you love baking as much as I do, I think you’re going to adore these. And don’t forget to subscribe so you can get more delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox! Let’s make these cookies together — you’ll be so glad you did.
Overview of Recipe Content
Why you’ll love these cookies:
Soft, pillowy texture with the perfect crunch from the pistachios.
The ricotta gives them a subtle richness that you won’t find in just any cookie.
Quick and easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
A crowd-pleaser for any occasion – from casual snacking to elegant tea parties.
These pistachio ricotta cookies are a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The nutty richness of pistachios pairs perfectly with the creamy smoothness of ricotta cheese, creating a cookie that’s soft yet substantial. The subtle vanilla and buttery sweetness make them the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. If you’re like me and can’t resist anything with pistachios, these are about to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these soft pistachio ricotta cookies:
1 cup ricotta cheese (make sure it’s full-fat for the creamiest texture)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting


DIY Moon Sand
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 0.5 cup baby oil
- food coloring (optional)
Method
- Measure out 4 cups of flour and pour it into a large mixing bowl.
- Measure and add 1/2 cup of baby oil to the flour.
- Mix thoroughly with hands or a tool until texture resembles moldable wet sand.
- Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring and stir or knead until evenly colored.
- Once desired texture and color are reached, moon sand is ready to play with. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your perfect soft pistachio ricotta cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You don’t want to skip this step — it helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined. Your batter should look smooth and creamy at this point.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here — a gentle fold will ensure the cookies stay soft.
Fold in the chopped pistachios gently. You want them evenly dispersed but not crushed into the dough. Their crunch will be the perfect contrast to the soft cookie texture!
Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, and drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies spread a little, so give them some room to breathe.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The smell when these are in the oven? Incredible!!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this step — they need to firm up just a bit before you move them.
Dust with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled, and get ready to indulge in pure bliss.
Suggestions on What to Serve with the Cookies
These soft pistachio ricotta cookies are delicious all on their own, but if you want to take your snack game to the next level, serve them with:
A chilled glass of milk or almond milk.
A steaming cup of chamomile tea or coffee.
A dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for Making the Cookies
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and ricotta are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will help the dough come together more smoothly.
Don’t overbake: These cookies are soft and delicate, so keep an eye on them while they bake. They should look just lightly golden around the edges when done.
Chill the dough: If you have time, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. If you want to freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a bag and bake them straight from the freezer.
Can I use a different nut?
Of course! If pistachios aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. The texture might change slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Conclusion
These Soft Pistachio Ricotta Pillow Cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re simple to make, incredibly soft, and bursting with the unique flavor of pistachios. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will always be a hit!
And if you love the flavors of pistachio, be sure to check out my other peach-inspired recipes for more sweet treats!
Interactive Elements
I’d love to see how your cookies turn out! Don’t forget to leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest. Let’s spread the love for these delicious cookies!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Enjoy every bite of these decadent cookies — I promise, they’re worth it!
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