If you are craving a delightful treat that combines crunch, sweetness, and a touch of elegance, this Quick Florentines Recipe is just what you need. These thin, caramelized almond cookies coated with luscious dark chocolate bring together the perfect balance of nutty flavor and rich indulgence, all whipped up in no time. Whether you’re hosting guests, craving a tea-time snack, or looking for a fancy yet simple dessert, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Quick Florentines Recipe is a breeze. Each one plays a crucial role in building the texture and taste that make these treats irresistible: from the crunch of sliced almonds to the creamy sweetness of honey and the smooth depth of dark chocolate.
- Sliced Almonds: 1 cup adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor that defines Florentines.
- Honey: 1/3 cup lends natural sweetness and helps bind the mixture.
- Caster Sugar: 1/3 cup ensures a fine, even sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons bring richness and melt-in-the-mouth softness.
- Plain Flour: 1 tablespoon helps to thicken the mixture for the perfect consistency.
- Double Cream: 2 tablespoons add smoothness and a subtle richness to the batter.
- Dark Chocolate: 50g, melted provides a bittersweet coating that complements the crunchy almonds.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
How to Make Quick Florentines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure that your Florentines bake evenly and don’t stick, making them easier to remove and shape later.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a saucepan, gently heat the honey, caster sugar, butter, and double cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and everything has melted together. This creates a buttery, sweet base that will caramelize perfectly during baking.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Vanilla
Once the wet ingredients are smooth, stir in the plain flour and vanilla extract. The flour will help to thicken the mixture, while the vanilla adds that classic sweet aroma that’s the signature of any great Florentine.
Step 4: Mix in the Almonds
Fold the sliced almonds into your mixture. This is where the magic happens—each almond slice gets coated with the luscious caramel blend, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spread the almond mixture thinly and evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden and the whole batch is bubbly and caramelized. Take care to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the Florentines to cool slightly on the tray. While still warm but firm, carefully cut them into whichever shapes you prefer—traditionally squares or rectangles work beautifully.
Step 7: Drizzle with Chocolate
Once your Florentines have cooled completely, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over them. Let the chocolate set fully before serving. This finishing touch not only enhances flavor but adds a beautiful glossy look to your treats.
How to Serve Quick Florentines Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way with Florentines. Consider sprinkling a few extra slivered almonds or an additional drizzle of dark chocolate on top for presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming touch.
Side Dishes
Florentines pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or delicate black tea, balancing the sweetness perfectly. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, stack your Florentines in a pretty box lined with parchment paper. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative platter with some edible flowers or mint to impress your guests instantly. Using themed cookie cutters before baking adds a personalized touch that’s sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They should stay fresh for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert component.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats at a later date, you can freeze them. Place the cooled Florentines between layers of parchment to prevent sticking, then store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
Reheating
Florentines are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a bit of warmth, pop them into a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the chocolate and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! While sliced almonds are classic, you can experiment with hazelnuts, pistachios, or mixed nuts to create your own twist on the Quick Florentines Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This substitution won’t affect the taste or texture much, allowing you to enjoy these treats safely.
Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Definitely! Each chocolate variety offers a different flavor profile. Milk chocolate will add more sweetness, and white chocolate brings a creamy contrast to the nutty Florentines.
How thin should I spread the mixture for baking?
Spread the mixture as thinly and evenly as possible, about 2-3 millimeters thick. Thinner layers ensure crispness and even baking, which is key to authentic Florentines.
What is the best way to ensure Florentines don’t stick?
Using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper is essential. Also, allowing the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the tray helps prevent sticking or breaking.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Florentines Recipe is such a joy to make and even more enjoyable to eat. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that feels fancy but comes together fast enough for any occasion. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to these crispy, chocolatey delights again and again!
Print
Quick Florentines Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12-15 Florentines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Quick Florentines are delicate, thin almond cookies made with honey, cream, and butter, baked to a golden crisp, and finished with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This easy recipe comes together quickly and produces an elegant treat perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50g dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the Florentines after baking.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, gently heat the honey, caster sugar, unsalted butter, and double cream together, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Stir in the plain flour and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate them into the smooth syrupy mixture.
- Mix in Almonds: Fold in the sliced almonds evenly, ensuring all the nuts are well coated with the sweet mixture.
- Spread and Bake: Quickly spread the mixture thinly and evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are crisp.
- Cut and Cool: Remove from the oven and let the sheet cool slightly so the Florentines can be cut into shapes without breaking.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines and allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be sure to spread the mixture thinly and evenly to ensure crisp, lacy cookies.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment to prevent sticking and avoid breaking the delicate Florentines.
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to fully set before handling for a neat presentation.
- Store Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free alternative, you can substitute the almonds with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
