These Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists are light and fluffy, with a tasty twist! The blend of creamy ricotta, zesty orange, and crunchy almonds makes every bite special.
Just imagine the smell of these baking! They are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I love having them with a cup of tea — it’s like a little hug in pastry form! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, part-skim ricotta works well too. In a pinch, you can substitute cottage cheese, but blend it first for a smoother consistency.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a staple for making biscuits. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember that they may change the texture slightly!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in the dough. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be great substitutes here.
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest adds amazing flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use a bit of bottled orange juice, but the zest truly brings out the best! Lemon zest is another alternative that offers a nice twist.
Sliced Almonds: These add a lovely crunch and nuttiness. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You could also skip them altogether if you prefer a simpler twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Biscuit Twist Texture?
Getting that light and airy texture in your biscuit twists involves a few key steps. Remember, the less you handle the dough, the better!
- Keep your butter cold. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. Don’t let it soften at room temperature before adding it to the flour.
- Mix gently. When combining the ricotta and flour mixture, mix just until it comes together. Over-mixing can lead to tough biscuits.
- Flour your surface. When rolling out dough, use enough flour to prevent sticking, but don’t use too much as it can dry out the dough.
- Twist with care. When shaping your strips, don’t twist too forcefully. A gentle twist keeps the lightness intact.
Following these tips will help ensure your biscuit twists come out wonderfully fluffy and delicious! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy treat to whip up. Including cooling time, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy kitchen moment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your biscuit twists are ready to bake. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this will help prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until everything is well combined. The zest will give a lovely citrus aroma that’s a delight!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is key for achieving those flaky layers in your biscuit twists!
4. Combine with Ricotta:
Next, add the ricotta cheese and almond extract to the bowl. Gently stir until the dough starts to come together. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky—that’s just how we like it!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With a rolling pin, carefully roll it out into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection; just shape it as best as you can!
6. Cut the Strips:
Now, cut the dough into long strips, around 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. This is where the fun starts — it’s time to twist!
7. Twist the Strips:
Grab each strip and twist it gently a few times to create that lovely spiral shape. Place each twisted strip onto your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so they have room to puff up while baking.
8. Egg Wash Time:
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the twists lightly with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish after baking. This step makes all the difference!
9. Add the Toppings:
Now sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the twists, pressing them down just a bit to ensure they stick. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top too.
10. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake your twists for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delightful. Just wait until you smell them baking!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. These biscuit twists are delicious warm but also taste great at room temperature. Enjoy with your favorite tea or coffee!
Delight in these scrumptious Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists; they are sure to impress!
Can I Substitute the Ricotta Cheese?
Yes! You can use cottage cheese as a substitute, just make sure to blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Another option is to use cream cheese, which will give a richer flavor.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Lightly flour your work surface and knead in a little extra flour, just until the dough is manageable. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the biscuits tough!
How Can I Store Leftover Biscuit Twists?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the twists! Just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again.
Can I Make These Biscuit Twists Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Alternatively, you can shape the twists, place them on the baking sheet, and then cover them with plastic wrap to refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven chilled!
