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
Scale
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.
