These Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists are a treat for your taste buds! Fluffy, buttery biscuits meet the wonderful flavors of almond and orange, making them perfectly zesty.
I love how these twists are simple yet fancy enough for guests. Plus, the aroma of orange while baking is irresistible. Just don’t forget to grab one before they disappear! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for a rich and creamy texture. If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be blended until smooth as a decent substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works great, but you could use coconut sugar or honey for a hint of different sweetness. Just be careful with the liquid quantities if you choose honey.
Orange Zest: The zest adds a lovely citrusy punch. If you don’t have oranges, lemon or lime zest can provide a similar refreshing flavor. Just remember, the zest is key for that aroma!
Almond Extract: Almond extract deepens the flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of almond, try using vanilla extract instead for a different twist.
Sliced Almonds: These give a nice crunch on top! If you’re nut-free, you can simply skip this or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Cut and Twist the Biscuit Dough?
Cutting and twisting the dough may seem tricky, but it’s quite simple!
- Roll out the dough gently to about 1/2 inch thick. A light sprinkle of flour will prevent sticking.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut strips about 1-inch wide. Longer strips can make for more twists!
- Holding both ends of a strip, twist several times. Don’t worry about making them perfect—you want a rustic look.
This method helps create the air pockets in your biscuits, leading to a nice flaky texture. Have fun with it; each twist will turn out unique!
Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds, about 1/4 cup, for topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 15-18 minutes for baking. Overall, you’ll have warm, fresh twists in about 30-35 minutes—not too long to wait for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to ensure your biscuit twists don’t stick while baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, egg, and almond extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture should be creamy and fragrant!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture. Stir everything together gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your twists may be tough.
5. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dough. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it in until the dough starts to clump but is still a little crumbly. Think of it like making a pie crust—small butter pieces should remain visible!
6. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Now, lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into about a 1/2 inch thickness. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips that are 1-inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
7. Twist the Strips:
Take each strip, hold it at both ends, and twist gently several times to create a spiral shape. Have fun with this—each twist can have its own character!
8. Arrange and Top:
Place the twists on the lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one. Brush them lightly with water or an egg wash, and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top, pressing them lightly to stick.
9. Bake Your Twists:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and crisp around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Dust:
Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After they cool, give the twists a light dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off. So pretty!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
You can serve these delightful almond-orange flavored ricotta biscuit twists warm or let them cool completely. They make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese! However, keep in mind that it may affect the creaminess and texture of the twists. They may turn out a bit drier compared to using whole milk ricotta, but they will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuit twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat them gently in the oven to bring back their crunch!
Can I Freeze the Biscuit Twists?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked twists before egg washing and adding the almonds. Just arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract to maintain a lovely flavor. Just remember, the almond extract adds a unique nutty note, so adjust according to your taste preference!