Making Florentines transforms simple ingredients into something magical, a delicate dance of crispy, chewy, and rich chocolate that truly brightens any occasion. These exquisite little lace cookies, with their Italian heritage, have always held a special place in my heart and on my holiday dessert platters. I remember the first time I tasted a perfectly made Florentine—it was at a friend’s wedding, and I was instantly captivated by its unique texture and sophisticated flavor. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect them in my own kitchen, and they’ve become a staple for special gatherings and thoughtful gifts.
There’s an undeniable elegance to Florentines, yet they’re surprisingly approachable to make at home. You don’t need a pastry chef’s degree to achieve these beautiful, delectable treats. Today, I’m going to share all my secrets for crafting perfect Florentines, guiding you through each step to ensure your homemade batch is nothing short of spectacular. Get ready to impress everyone with these delightful confections!
Why You’ll Love These Florentines
- They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
- The combination of crispy, chewy, and rich chocolate is absolutely delicious.
- Florentines are incredibly versatile, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
The Irresistible Charm of Florentines
There’s something truly special about the texture of Florentines. That initial crisp bite gives way to a delightful chewiness from the nuts and candied fruit, all perfectly balanced by a luxurious layer of dark chocolate. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that makes them utterly addictive and a real showstopper on any dessert spread.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Florentines
The secret to truly exceptional Florentines lies in starting with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature lacy texture, delightful chew, and rich flavor. From the creamy butter to the vibrant candied orange peel and the luxurious dark chocolate, every ingredient works in harmony to create these exquisite cookies. Don’t skimp on quality here; it truly makes all the difference in the final taste and texture of your Florentines.
Gathering Your Florentines Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey or golden syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup (75g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
How to Make Delicious Florentines
Now for the fun part: making these beautiful Florentines! Don’t be intimidated; the process is straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. The trick is to be patient and follow the instructions carefully, especially when it comes to the baking and cooling. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create these impressive cookies.
Preparing Your Workstation for Florentines
Before you even think about mixing ingredients, let’s get your kitchen ready. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your Florentines hit the heat. Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This is crucial for preventing sticking and making sure those delicate Florentines release easily once baked.
Crafting the Florentines Batter
In a medium saucepan, combine your unsalted butter, granulated sugar, honey (or golden syrup), and heavy cream. Place this over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has dissolved. You don’t want any grainy bits! Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and let it bubble for just 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir in your sliced almonds, finely chopped candied orange peel, all-purpose flour, and salt until everything is beautifully combined. This is your Florentines base!
Baking and Cooling Your Florentines
Now, it’s time to create those signature lacy cookies. Drop small spoonfuls (about 1 teaspoon each) of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches between them. These little beauties will spread quite a bit, so give them space! Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Don’t worry if the centers still look a little soft; they’ll crisp up as they cool. Remove them from the oven and let the Florentines cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re very delicate when warm, so handle them gently.
The Decadent Chocolate Coating for Florentines
Once your Florentines are completely cool—and I mean completely, otherwise your chocolate will melt right off—it’s time for their luxurious chocolate jackets. Melt your finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (creating a double boiler) or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until it’s perfectly smooth. Dip the flat (bottom) side of each Florentine into the melted chocolate, scraping off any excess. Place the chocolate-coated Florentines chocolate-side up on a clean piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator for a quicker set. You’ve earned this delicious reward!
Tips for Success with Florentines
Making perfect Florentines is all about understanding a few key principles. These little tips and tricks will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every single time. Pay attention to timing and don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Achieving the Perfect Florentine Texture
The magic of Florentines lies in their unique texture—crispy yet chewy. For crispier Florentines, bake them for the full 10 minutes until they are a deeper golden brown. If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie, pull them out closer to the 8-minute mark. Also, allowing them to cool completely on the wire rack is crucial; they firm up significantly as they come to room temperature. Rushing this step often leads to sticky, soft Florentines.
Ingredient Substitutions for Florentines
While almonds and candied orange peel are classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Florentines! I’ve had great success swapping out the sliced almonds for chopped pistachios or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. For the candied fruit, lemon peel or even finely diced dried cranberries can work wonderfully. Just ensure your substitutions are finely chopped to maintain the delicate lace structure.
Storing and Serving Your Florentines
Once you’ve gone to all the trouble of making these exquisite Florentines, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious. Proper storage is key to maintaining their delicate texture and rich flavor. And when it comes to serving, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them!
Keeping Florentines Fresh
To keep your Florentines at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay wonderfully fresh and crispy for up to 1 week. If you live in a very humid climate, you might find they soften a little sooner, but they’ll still be delicious!
Creative Ways to Enjoy Florentines
Florentines are perfect on their own as an elegant after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. They also make a stunning addition to a holiday cookie platter or as a thoughtful homemade gift. For a truly decadent experience, try crumbling a few over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions About Florentines
Can I make Florentines ahead of time?
Absolutely! Florentines are actually a fantastic make-ahead cookie. Once they’re fully cooled and the chocolate has set, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes them perfect for holiday baking or when you need a beautiful dessert ready to go. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.
What if my Florentines are too sticky?
If your Florentines turn out sticky, it’s usually due to too much moisture or not enough baking time. Ensure you’re baking them until they are properly golden brown and bubbling, and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Humidity can also play a role, so try to bake them on a drier day if possible. Sometimes, a quick trip to the refrigerator can help firm them up if they’re just a little soft.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for Florentines?
While traditional Florentines often feature dark chocolate for its rich contrast to the sweet cookie, you absolutely can use milk chocolate if that’s your preference! Just be aware that milk chocolate is sweeter and contains more milk solids, which can make it a little trickier to temper and prone to melting faster. White chocolate is another option for a different flavor profile, but ensure you use a good quality couverture chocolate for the best results when dipping your Florentines.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Florentines
Please note that the following nutritional information for Florentines is an estimate per serving (1 cookie) and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s provided as a general guide for those mindful of their dietary intake.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Share Your Florentines Experience
I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you whip up a batch of these beautiful Florentines, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you try a fun substitution? Or perhaps you found the perfect pairing? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your gorgeous creations on social media using #MyKitchenFlorentines so I can see them!
Print
Florentines with Chocolate
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Florentines are delicate, crispy, and chewy lace cookies, typically made with nuts and candied fruit, then coated on one side with chocolate. They are a classic Italian confection, perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey or golden syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup (75g) candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, honey (or golden syrup), and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced almonds, chopped candied orange peel, flour, and salt until well combined.
- Drop small spoonfuls (about 1 teaspoon each) of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them as they will spread.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The centers may still look soft, but they will crisp up as they cool.
- Remove from oven and let the Florentines cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be very delicate when warm.
- Once completely cool, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the flat (bottom) side of each Florentine into the melted chocolate, scraping off any excess. Place the chocolate-coated Florentines chocolate-side up on a clean piece of parchment paper or wax paper.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the Florentines are completely cool before coating with chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Store Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute other nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for the almonds, or other candied fruits for the orange peel.
- For a thinner, lacier cookie, spread the mixture more thinly on the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
