Name: Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, as needed; 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists are the kind of bake that looks bakery-fancy but feels wonderfully doable at home. They come out tender and lightly golden, with a delicate richness from ricotta, a gentle almond flavor, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar that makes each twist feel extra special.

What makes these biscuit twists so lovable is the texture. They are soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and just sweet enough for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. If you want an easy homemade bake that feels elegant without a lot of fuss, this is one to keep close.

Why Are Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists So Tender?

The secret is ricotta cheese. It brings moisture, softness, and a creamy richness to the dough without making the twists heavy. Instead of turning dense, the biscuits bake up plush and light with a gentle crumb.

Almond extract and sliced almonds build that classic bakery-style flavor, while powdered sugar adds a simple finishing touch. The result is a soft sweet biscuit that tastes comforting, pretty, and just a little bit fancy.

Ingredients for the Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists

These ingredients come together into a soft, lightly sweet dough with a delicate almond finish.

For the biscuit twists:

2 cups all-purpose flour
This gives the dough structure while keeping the twists tender.

1 tablespoon baking powder
Helps the twists puff and bake up light.

1/4 teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and brings out the almond flavor.

1/3 cup granulated sugar
Adds gentle sweetness without turning them into cookies.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Creates a rich, soft biscuit texture.

3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
The key ingredient for moisture and tenderness.

1 large egg
Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rounds out the sweetness with warm flavor.

1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Gives the twists their signature almond bakery taste.

2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Used only if needed to help the dough come together.

For the topping:

1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk
For brushing the tops so they bake golden and glossy.

1/4 cup sliced almonds
Adds texture and a pretty finish.

2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For dusting after baking.

How To Make the Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists

This recipe is simple to shape and even easier to love. Keep the butter cold, handle the dough gently, and you will get soft, bakery-style twists every time.

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the twists bake evenly and lift off easily.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This makes sure the leavening and sweetness are evenly distributed through the dough.

Step 3: Cut in the butter

Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

Step 4: Stir together the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Form the dough

Gently stir until a soft dough begins to form. If it looks too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix or the twists can become tough.

Step 6: Roll and shape the twists

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into strips, then gently twist each strip a few times and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Add the topping

Brush each twist with the egg yolk and milk mixture. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the tops, pressing lightly so they stick.

Step 8: Bake until golden

Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown around the edges. The tops should look lightly burnished and the centers should feel set.

Step 9: Cool and finish

Let the twists cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Serving and Storing Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists

These twists are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with coffee, cappuccino, hot tea, or even a soft fruit spread for brunch. If you want to dress them up a little more, a light almond glaze also works beautifully.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freshen them, warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. You can also freeze the baked twists for up to 2 months and thaw them gently before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta?

Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives the softest and richest result. Part-skim works, though the texture may be a little less tender.

Can I make these without almond extract?

Yes. You can leave it out and increase the vanilla slightly. The flavor will be milder but still delicious.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Usually not, unless your kitchen is very warm or the dough feels sticky. A short 15-minute chill can make shaping easier.

Can I add fruit to the dough?

A small amount of finely chopped dried fruit can work, but too much moisture from fresh fruit may affect the texture.

How do I know when they are done baking?

Look for golden edges, puffed tops, and a center that feels set. They should not look wet or doughy in the middle.

Can I freeze the unbaked twists?

Yes. Shape them first, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. Bake from chilled or frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love soft, sweet bakes like these ricotta almond twists, you might also enjoy these favorites from Life with Jam:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for another soft and snowy treat.
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies when you want a classic homemade cookie.
Lemon Sugar Cookies for a bright citrusy dessert option.
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes if you love tender, bakery-style small cakes.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe for another rich and buttery cookie idea.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know how your Soft Ricotta Almond Biscuit Twists turned out. Did you keep them classic with powdered sugar, or add a light glaze on top? Did you serve them for brunch, breakfast, or dessert?

I always love seeing how these recipes turn out in real kitchens. For more daily recipe inspiration, visit Life with Jam on Pinterest.