How to Make Grandma’s Biscuit Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients First
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Drop in cold, cubed butter. Cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir ricotta, egg, orange zest, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Gently
Pour the ricotta mixture into the flour-butter mixture and stir just until it comes together. Don’t overmix—rustic is beautiful!
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just a few times to bring it together. Roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Step 7: Cut & Twist
Slice into 1-inch wide strips. Gently twist each strip and lay them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Top It Off
Sprinkle with sliced almonds and a little sugar for sparkle and crunch.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 10: Serve Warm
Let cool slightly, then enjoy with tea, coffee, or a side of sweet jam!
What to Serve With These Twists
- A cup of Earl Grey or fresh-pressed orange juice
- Mascarpone cheese with a drizzle of honey
- Berry compote or orange marmalade
- Whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
Tips for Perfect Biscuit Twists
- Cold butter is key – It creates those tender layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough – Gentle kneading keeps them light.
- Use fresh zest – It makes all the difference in flavor!
- Bake on parchment – For easy cleanup and even browning.
- Twist loosely – Over-twisting can flatten them.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (warm before serving).
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked twists for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, twist, and freeze. Bake fresh whenever needed.
Do they taste very sweet?
They’re lightly sweet—perfect for breakfast or tea. Add glaze if you want dessert-level sweetness.
Can I use orange juice instead of zest?
Zest gives more concentrated flavor. If using juice, add just a teaspoon and reduce the ricotta slightly to keep the dough from being too wet.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Vanilla works fine, but almond extract gives that nostalgic bakery-style flavor. Use both if you love depth!
Conclusion: A Bite of Comfort, A Twist of Magic
These Almond-Orange Ricotta Biscuit Twists are the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. They’re cozy, unfussy, and filled with heart—just like Grandma’s best treats always were. I highly recommend doubling the batch because they disappear fast!
🍊 Nutritional Information (per twist, approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
