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
Scale
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.
