Florentines
Delicate Florentines are almond and candied orange peel cookies with a chocolate topping, perfect for sophisticated desserts or tea-time treats suited to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine slivered almonds, chopped candied orange peel, sifted cake flour, salt, brown sugar, butter, honey, corn syrup, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake until golden and crisp, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and spread over the cooled Florentines.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful crunch, toast the slivered almonds lightly before mixing them into the dough. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor or using different candied fruit for variety. Ensure the chocolate is tempered for a glossy finish when spreading over the Florentines.
Serving Suggestions
These Florentines make an elegant addition to any dessert platter and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. They can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. For a unique twist, try serving them with a drizzle of Homemade Bailey'S Irish Cream for a rich flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain crispness. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch, being careful not to melt the chocolate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentines contains roughly 453 calories, with 4g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in the Florentines?
Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so choose ones you enjoy.
How can I make these Florentines gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Florentines, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure, and the rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well.
What can I do if the chocolate doesn't set properly?
If the chocolate is not setting, it may not have been tempered correctly. Ensure you melt the chocolate gently and allow it to cool slightly before spreading. You can also refrigerate the Florentines briefly to help the chocolate firm up.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).