Description
Delightfully thin and crispy Florentine cookies made with toasted almonds, a hint of orange zest, and optionally dipped in rich dark chocolate for an elegant treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Florentine Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate (Optional)
- 4 oz dark or semisweet chocolate (for dipping or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it boil for exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth and well combined. Fold in sliced almonds, orange zest, and vanilla extract ensuring an even distribution.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 3 inches of space between each lump to allow the cookies to spread evenly while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a golden brown color. This ensures crispiness and slight caramelization of the sugars.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Chocolate (Optional): If desired, melt dark or semisweet chocolate. Once the cookies are completely cool, either dip the bottoms of the cookies into the melted chocolate or drizzle the chocolate on top using a spoon. Let the chocolate set fully before serving for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure cookies have enough space on the baking sheet as they spread during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- The orange zest adds a bright citrus note, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Chocolate dipping or drizzling is optional but adds an elegant touch and flavor contrast.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
