If you have a sweet spot for delicate yet crunchy treats packed with nuts and candied fruits, then this Florentines Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These enchanting little cookies boast a perfect harmony of caramelized almonds, rich butter, and a subtle vanilla touch that will have you reaching for more with every bite. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this recipe is as charming as it is simple, making it a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Florentines Cookies Recipe are straightforward and each one plays an essential role in building that signature chewy crunch and mouthwatering flavor that defines these cookies. From rich butter to fragrant vanilla, every element works together to create a timeless classic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy, rich base and helps achieve the perfect caramel texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes to give the cookies their golden color and enticing flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Adds just enough structure to hold the cookies together without weighing them down.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Balances texture by making the mixture smooth and luscious.
- Sliced almonds (1 1/2 cups): Offers delightful crunch and nutty flavor that’s signature to Florentines.
- Candied fruits, chopped (1/3 cup): Adds bursts of color and fruity sweetness that brighten every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and lifts the flavors creating warmth and depth.
How to Make Florentines Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup guarantees your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which is key when working with caramel-like dough.
Step 2: Creating the Butter and Sugar Base
In a saucepan, gently melt the butter and sugar together over medium heat. Stir continuously as the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, allowing the flavors to blend smoothly. This step is crucial because it forms the sweet, buttery foundation that makes Florentines irresistible.
Step 3: Adding Flour and Cream
Once your butter and sugar mixture is smooth, stir in the flour and heavy cream. Keep mixing until the batter is uniform; these ingredients ensure the cookies hold their shape but remain tender once baked.
Step 4: Mixing in Almonds, Candied Fruits, and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the sliced almonds, chopped candied fruits, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—each addition brings its own personality to the cookies, from crunch to fruity pops and aromatic warmth.
Step 5: Portioning the Cookies
Use a teaspoon to drop small mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Keep enough space between each mound to accommodate spreading during baking. Precision here preserves the iconic thin, lacy edges of Florentines.
Step 6: Shaping for Perfection
Gently press down on each mound with the back of a spoon, flattening them slightly to encourage even cooking and that perfect thin profile characteristic of these cookies.
Step 7: Baking to Golden Delight
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Be attentive during this step because the difference between perfect and overdone is just a few minutes.
Step 8: Cooling for Crunch
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, letting them develop that signature satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Florentines Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving game by dusting the Florentines with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted dark chocolate. These touches not only make them look irresistible but also add a delicate contrast in flavor.
Side Dishes
Florentines pair beautifully with a cup of black tea, coffee, or a glass of chilled dessert wine. Their nutty sweetness harmonizes especially well with slightly bitter or creamy beverages, making every snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider stacking Florentines between layers of whipped cream or fresh berries to create an elegant dessert trifle. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of chocolate ganache or citrus-flavored cream for a personalized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay crisp and fresh for up to a week. Avoid humid environments to prevent them from becoming soft.
Freezing
These cookies freeze surprisingly well. Lay them flat in a container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Reheating
If your Florentines soften over time, a quick pop in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes can revive their crunch and aroma, bringing them back to life just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While sliced almonds are traditional for Florentines cookies, you can substitute with chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or pistachios for a unique twist. Just make sure to toast them lightly for maximum flavor.
What can I use instead of candied fruits?
If you’re not a fan of candied fruits, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots work beautifully and provide a similar pop of sweetness and color in the cookies.
Do Florentines Cookies contain gluten?
This recipe does include all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the cookie texture.
How thin should I flatten the cookie batter?
Flatten each mound just enough to spread it to about 2 inches in diameter. They’ll spread a bit during baking, so not too thin at first, but enough to encourage that delicate, lacy structure.
Can I store these cookies in the fridge?
It’s best to keep Florentines at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration tends to introduce moisture, which can make the cookies lose their crispness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Florentines Cookies Recipe a try—it’s one of those classic treats that brings joy with every crunchy bite. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, these cookies never fail to impress with their perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and delicate texture. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Florentines!
Print
Florentines Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
Florentine cookies are delicate, crunchy almond and candied fruit lace cookies with a buttery caramel base. These elegant treats blend a sweet mixture of butter, sugar, cream, and vanilla with chopped nuts and colorful candied fruits, baked until golden brown and perfectly crisp. Ideal for serving as a fancy dessert accompaniment or enjoying with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Florentine Cookie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup candied fruits, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together, stirring frequently to combine them thoroughly and dissolve the sugar.
- Add Flour and Cream: Stir in the all-purpose flour and heavy cream into the melted butter and sugar mixture until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
- Incorporate Nuts and Fruits: Remove the saucepan from heat, then fold in the sliced almonds, chopped candied fruits, and vanilla extract evenly into the mixture.
- Form Cookie Mounds: Using a teaspoon, drop small mounds of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Flatten Mounds: Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon to create thin, even discs that will crisp nicely in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the florentine cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color with slightly caramelized edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they attain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Ensure the batter is dropped evenly spaced on the baking sheet as florentines will spread during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cookie removal.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to one week.
- Optional: For a rich touch, dip the cooled florentines in melted chocolate and let set before serving.
