Bake up a batch of these Florentine Cookies for a delicious and impressive afternoon tea or dessert

Florentine cookies are a classic Italian treat that are known for their delicate and crunchy texture, as well as their delicious combination of nuts, honey, and chocolate. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Florentine cookies, the ingredients and equipment needed to make them, and provide a step-by-step recipe to make these delicious cookies at home.

Florentine cookies

What are Florentine Cookies?

Florentine cookies are a type of cookie that originated in Florence, Italy. They are typically made with almonds, hazelnuts, or other nuts, and are held together with a mixture of honey, sugar, and butter. The cookies are then topped with a layer of chocolate, creating a delicious and decadent treat.

The History of Florentine Cookies

Florentine cookies have a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. It is said that they were first created by a group of nuns who wanted to make a special treat for the Duke of Florence. The nuns used almonds, sugar, and honey to create a crunchy and sweet cookie, which they named after their city.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Florentine cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sliced almonds
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Honey
• Heavy cream
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

The Equipment You’ll Need

In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need some equipment to make Florentine cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A mixing bowl
• An electric mixer or stand mixer
• A rubber spatula
• A baking sheet
• Parchment paper

How to Make Florentine Cookies

Making Florentine cookies is a bit more involved than making other types of cookies, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, honey, and heavy cream until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Use a rubber spatula to flatten the cookies into thin circles.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
10. Dip the bottoms of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then let them cool on a wire rack until the chocolate is set.

Florentine cookies are best served as a snack or dessert, with a cup of tea or coffee.