Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones – Afternoon Tea in a Snap

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By Gianna Poulef

Almond Ricotta Scones

There’s nothing more heartwarming than the buttery aroma of freshly baked scones drifting through the kitchen. These Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones are the kind of treat that can turn any ordinary afternoon into a cozy tea-time celebration. With ricotta lending softness and almonds adding a nutty crunch, they’re the perfect quick bake when you want something elegant yet unfussy.

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Overview of Recipe Content

These almond ricotta scones are tender, lightly sweet, and just crumbly enough to be dunked into a warm cup of tea. They fit beautifully into an afternoon tea spread, but don’t let that stop you—they also make a dreamy breakfast, brunch, or even a midnight snack (no judgment here).

Why you’ll love them:

  • Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Balanced sweetness—perfect with jam or honey.
  • Ricotta makes them extra moist and fluffy.
  • Almonds add a toasty crunch and richness.

Taste profile: buttery, slightly nutty, with a delicate sweetness.

Nutritional perks: Almonds bring in healthy fats and protein, while ricotta adds calcium and a dose of creaminess without making the scones heavy.

Ingredients you’ll need:

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds (plus more for topping)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream (plus 1 tbsp for brushing)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for a stronger almond note

Tools you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter (or two forks)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Suggested substitutions:

  • Swap ricotta with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a tangier bite.
  • Replace almonds with hazelnuts or pecans if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-friendly.

How to Make Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones

  1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the butter. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. (This is where the magic starts—those buttery pockets will create flaky layers!)
  4. Add the ricotta and almonds. Stir in the ricotta and sliced almonds.
  5. Make the wet mixture. In a small bowl, whisk egg, milk, and vanilla (plus almond extract, if using).
  6. Combine wet and dry. Pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently fold until just combined—don’t overmix.
  7. Shape the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.
  8. Prepare for baking. Place wedges on the lined sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with extra almonds and a pinch of sugar.
  9. Bake. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
  10. Cool & serve. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with clotted cream, butter, or jam.

What to Serve with Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones

  • A pot of Earl Grey tea or chamomile for a cozy pairing.
  • Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.
  • A drizzle of honey or a dollop of homemade strawberry jam .
  • For a brunch spread, pair them with a savory dish like Easy Eggplant Parmesan.

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Use very cold butter—this ensures flaky layers.
  • Don’t overwork the dough; scones love a light touch.
  • For extra golden tops, brush with cream instead of milk.
  • Make ahead: Freeze unbaked scones, then bake directly from frozen (adding 3–4 minutes to bake time).

Storage Instructions

  • Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked scones in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

General Information

Scones are a beloved part of British tea culture, often enjoyed with clotted cream and jam. This almond ricotta version is a modern twist—lighter, moister, and just as indulgent. Perfect for spring brunches, holiday gatherings, or a quiet self-care moment with tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and freeze the dough wedges. Bake from frozen when needed.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Not fully, but you can replace up to 1/2 cup for added nuttiness.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter and dairy-free ricotta.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
Pop them in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes to refresh their crisp edges.

Conclusion

These Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones are the perfect bake for when you want something fast, elegant, and oh-so-satisfying. With their tender crumb and nutty almond finish, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

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Happy baking, friends—and don’t forget to brew that pot of tea!

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Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your scones! Tag me on Pinterest at Poulef Recipe or drop a comment below if you tried them.

Nutritional Information (per scone, approx.)

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSaturated FatFiberSugarSodium
26028g6g13g7g2g8g180mg
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Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones – Afternoon Tea in a Snap


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones are soft, buttery, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for afternoon tea or brunch.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/3 cup sliced almonds, plus more for topping

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk or cream, plus 1 tbsp for brushing

Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in ricotta and almonds.

5. Whisk egg, milk, and vanilla; add to flour mixture.

6. Form dough into a circle and cut into 8 wedges.

7. Brush with milk, sprinkle almonds, and bake 18–20 min.

Notes

For extra golden scones, brush with cream instead of milk. Freeze unbaked wedges for later and bake from frozen.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Quick-Fix Almond Ricotta Scones – Afternoon Tea in a Snap
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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