Name: Florentine Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup finely chopped sliced almonds; 1/3 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (optional); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted (for dipping or drizzling)

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There’s something truly special about Florentine Cookies: every bite is a dance of crispy, caramelized almonds and silky chocolate. These cookies are as elegant as they are irresistible, with a delightful lace-like texture and a sophisticated flavor that hints at indulgent afternoons in a sunlit Italian café. Whether you’re baking for a holiday spread, a tea party, or simply want to treat yourself, Florentine Cookies are the kind of sweet that never fail to impress—beautiful to look at, delicious to eat, and always a conversation starter!

Florentine Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Florentine Cookies so wonderful is their simple ingredient list, each component carefully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal. Gather these pantry staples and you’re halfway to cookie bliss!

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a delicate crumb, which is key for the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated Sugar: Helps form that signature brittle, lacy structure.
Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Heavy Cream: Rounds out the caramel flavor and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
All-purpose Flour: Just enough to hold the cookies together without making them dense.
Finely Chopped Sliced Almonds: Create the crisp, nutty base for every Florentine.
Candied Orange Peel (optional): For a citrusy zing and a pop of color; feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and depth into every nibble.
Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate: The final flourish—each cookie is finished with a dip, dunk, or drizzle of chocolate for elegance and extra flavor.

How to Make Florentine Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Trust me, this is key to keeping your cookies from sticking since Florentines love to spread and crisp up!

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture just comes to a gentle boil. This will smell divine—it’s the magic that sets the stage for those lacy edges. As soon as you see bubbling, take it off the heat so you don’t overcook the sugar.

Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Almonds

Add the flour, finely chopped almonds, candied orange peel (if you’re going for the citrus twist), and vanilla extract straight into your caramel mixture. Stir until everything is combined and no dry flour spots remain. The batter will be thick and a bit sticky; that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Portion Out the Cookies

Using a teaspoon, drop small mounds of the batter onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each one. These cookies really do spread, so don’t be tempted to crowd them! Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon so you get that signature delicate, lacy look.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Lacy

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The edges should be golden brown and the centers set. Every oven is a little different, so check them at the 8-minute mark! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; they’re extremely fragile when hot, but firm up as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Finishing Touch

Once your Florentine Cookies are fully cooled, melt the chocolate of your choice. Dip the bottoms of each cookie in the chocolate, or drizzle over the tops for that classic, glossy effect. Place the cookies back on parchment until the chocolate is completely set and enjoy your beautiful creations!

How to Serve Florentine Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate brings out the nutty and citrus notes, while a dusting of powdered sugar creates an irresistible snowy finish. For a little extra flair, set each Florentine on a paper doily or garnish with delicate segments of candied orange peel—both beautiful and inviting!

Side Dishes

Florentine Cookies are at their most delightful alongside a steaming cup of espresso or your favorite black tea. For a touch of indulgence, pair them with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a small bowl of fresh berries for a bright, fruity contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Florentine Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a cheerful ribbon for homemade gifts, or arrange them in a wide glass jar as an edible centerpiece. For a party, alternate layers of cookies and parchment paper in a decorative tin to make every opening an occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Florentine Cookies crisp and luscious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer sheets of parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay at their best for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for the holidays or a big celebration, these cookies freeze surprisingly well. Place completely cooled cookies between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

Florentine Cookies are best enjoyed crisp, so you won’t need to reheat them. However, if you find they’ve softened slightly, just pop them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their beautiful snap. Let them cool before serving.

FAQs

Do I have to use candied orange peel in Florentine cookies?

Not at all! The candied orange peel is completely optional and simply adds a sweet, citrusy note. If you prefer a more classic nutty flavor, feel free to leave it out or replace it with chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a different spin.

Can I use other nuts besides almonds?

Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, hazelnuts or pistachios make fabulous alternatives. Just be sure to finely chop whichever nut you choose so you still get that signature lacy texture.

Why did my Florentine cookies spread too much or stick together?

This usually happens if the batter mounds are placed too close on the baking sheet or if the butter content is slightly high. Make sure to space them at least 3 inches apart and use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal.

How do I melt chocolate for dipping or drizzling?

Melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth, or use a double boiler for gentle, controlled heat. Either method will ensure your chocolate is glossy and perfectly ready for decorating Florentine Cookies.

Are Florentine Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional Florentine Cookies do use all-purpose flour, so they aren’t gluten-free by default. However, you can easily substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a version that everyone can enjoy—just check your blend contains xanthan gum for the best result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s crisp, nutty, chocolate-dipped, and downright gorgeous, Florentine Cookies should be next on your baking list. They’re simpler to make than they look and are guaranteed to win hearts and compliments wherever you share them. Go ahead—let yourself fall for that first lacy, chocolatey bite!

Florentine Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Florentine Cookies are delicate almond lace cookies with a hint of orange peel, dipped in rich, dark chocolate. A perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
1/3 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration:

4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted (for dipping or drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Melt ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, honey, and cream. Cook until just boiling. Remove from heat and stir in flour, almonds, orange peel, and vanilla.
Bake: Drop teaspoons of batter onto prepared sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and decorate: Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dip bottoms in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops. Let set on parchment paper.