These Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists are a fun treat! They’re soft, flaky, and packed with zesty orange flavor balanced by nutty almonds. Perfect for snacks or breakfast!
Honestly, these twists are like a fancy hug for your taste buds. I always make a double batch because they disappear so fast—everyone loves them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives these twists their soft texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use part-skim ricotta, but the texture may be a bit firmer. Cream cheese can also work if needed, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest brightens the flavors. You can substitute it with lemon zest for a different citrus kick. Just remember that the taste will be less sweet and more tart!
Baking Powder: This helps the biscuits rise. If you’re out, you can make your own, combining baking soda with cream of tartar. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar as a swap for 1 tsp baking powder.
Sliced Almonds: They add a nice crunch on top. If you prefer, you can use chopped pecans or walnuts, or even leave them out completely for a nut-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Biscuit Twists Are Flaky and Tender?
The key to flaky, tender biscuits is how you handle the dough. Here are some simple tips to achieve great results:
- Use cold ingredients, especially the butter. Cold butter creates pockets of steam when baking, leading to a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until combined to keep it light and airy.
- Roll the dough gently and evenly to ensure consistent baking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to get that perfect twist and bake right through.
Following these techniques will help you create delicious, flaky Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists that everyone will love!
Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For The Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1 tsp grated orange zest (from a medium orange)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, plus whole almonds for garnish
- 2 tbsp honey or orange marmalade (optional glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Your house will smell amazing, and you’ll have delicious twists ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your biscuits will bake evenly. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder for a nice rise.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will make your twists nice and flaky.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the ricotta cheese, grated orange zest, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. Be gentle; you don’t want to overwork the dough!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times to bring it together. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Add the Almonds:
Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the dough, pressing them lightly into the surface so they stick. Yum, this is where the magic happens!
7. Cut and Twist:
Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long. Take each strip and gently twist it several times before placing it onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Add the Garnish:
Press a whole almond gently at one end of each twist for a nice decorative touch. That little extra crunch will be delightful!
9. Brush with Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the twists. This helps them achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked.
10. Bake:
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Optional Glaze:
If you like, while they are still warm, brush the twists lightly with honey or orange marmalade for a sweet, glossy finish. Such a treat!
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the twists cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’ll be delightful at room temperature too.
Enjoy these tender, flaky biscuit twists that are bursting with almond crunch and bright orange flavor! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends! 🍊😊
Can I Use Coconut Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Unfortunately, coconut flour is much denser and absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour, so it’s not a direct substitute. If you want to experiment, you may need to adjust the liquid ratio significantly. Stick to all-purpose flour for best results!
Can I Make These Biscuit Twists Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter and replace the egg wash with a bit of non-dairy milk or a mixture of aquafaba (chickpea brine) for shine.
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuit Twists?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, and they should last up to a week. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Freeze These Biscuit Twists?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked twists. Simply prepare the twists up to the baking stage, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for having a warm treat ready to go anytime!
