If you are craving a crunchy, delightfully sweet treat that comes together in no time, then you are in for a real joy with this Quick Florentines Recipe. These delicate, lacy almond cookies boast a perfectly chewy texture with a buttery honey glaze, finished off with a glossy drizzle of dark chocolate that adds just the right contrast. Whether you’re after a last-minute dessert or a fancy teatime snack, this recipe promises a show-stopping batch every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Quick Florentines Recipe plays a vital role in creating that signature balance of flavor and texture. They’re simple pantry staples, yet combined, they turn into something absolutely magical.
- Sliced Almonds: 1 cup – These offer a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that define the Florentines.
- Honey: 1/3 cup – Provides natural sweetness and a luscious, sticky texture.
- Caster Sugar: 1/3 cup – Helps with caramelization and adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons – Adds richness and smoothness to the mix.
- Plain Flour: 1 tablespoon – Just enough to bind everything together without making it cakey.
- Double Cream: 2 tablespoons – Contributes to the silky smoothness of the batter.
- Dark Chocolate: 50g, melted – For that irresistible finishing touch and slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Brings out the flavors with a warm aromatic note.
How to Make Quick Florentines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to make sure your Florentines don’t stick and come away easily once baked. This sets you up for an effortless baking experience.
Step 2: Combine the Sticky Sweet Base
In a saucepan over gentle heat, melt together the honey, caster sugar, butter, and double cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and luscious. This blend creates the syrupy foundation that binds the Florentines.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Vanilla
Stir the plain flour into the warm mixture along with the vanilla extract. The flour helps to give structure, while the vanilla adds that subtle, cozy depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Step 4: Fold in the Almonds
Mix in the sliced almonds until every nut is fully coated with the silky batter. This ensures the crunch and nutty flavor will be dispersed evenly throughout every bite.
Step 5: Spread Thin and Bake
Spread the almond mixture thinly and evenly on the prepared baking sheet — think of it like creating a golden lace blanket. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F), watching closely so you catch that perfect golden hue.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let the Florentines cool slightly but not completely harden, then cut them into your favorite shapes. Cutting while warm keeps edges clean and prevents cracking later.
Step 7: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
Finish off by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines. Let the chocolate set before serving to add a beautiful gloss and a wonderful contrast of flavors.
How to Serve Quick Florentines Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets adds a superb flavor punch that highlights the sweetness and deepens the complexity of these treats.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your Florentines alongside a cup of rich coffee or a robust black tea — the bittersweet drink complements the nutty, buttery flavors spectacularly and makes for a comforting pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these beauties in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift, or arrange them on a delicate plate with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. Keeping them sealed preserves the delicate textures and flavors wonderfully.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you’d like to warm them up slightly, pop a few in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for just a couple of minutes. This refreshes their crunch without melting the chocolate glaze.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Hazelnuts or pecans make excellent alternatives, offering their own distinct textures and nutty flavors that work beautifully within this Quick Florentines Recipe.
Is caster sugar necessary or can I substitute?
Caster sugar dissolves quickly, perfect for a smooth batter, but superfine sugar or granulated sugar pulsed a bit in a food processor can be used if caster sugar is unavailable.
How do I ensure my Florentines are thin and crispy?
Spreading the mixture as thinly and evenly as possible before baking is key. Also, avoid overbaking as the cookies will harden on cooling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking without altering the texture too much.
What’s the best chocolate for drizzling?
Use good quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor that contrasts perfectly against the sweet, sticky base.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you decide to give this Quick Florentines Recipe a try because once you taste these golden, crunchy delights, I promise they’ll become one of your go-to treats. They’re simple, quick to whip up, and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging yourself. Happy baking and enjoy every luscious bite!
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, crisp almond biscuits made with a luscious caramel-like mixture crowned with a drizzle of rich dark chocolate. Perfect for an elegant teatime treat or a sophisticated dessert, these quick and easy cookies blend the nutty crunch of sliced almonds with buttery sweetness and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Florentine Mixture
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 2 tablespoons double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 50g dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to ensure the Florentines do not stick during baking.
- Heat the wet ingredients: In a saucepan, gently heat the honey, caster sugar, unsalted butter, and double cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined, creating a rich caramel base.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the plain flour and vanilla extract into the saucepan mixture to help thicken and add flavor consistency to the batter.
- Combine almonds: Mix the sliced almonds thoroughly into the caramel mixture, making sure they are evenly coated for a uniform texture.
- Shape and bake: Spread the almond mixture thinly and evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the florentines are crisp.
- Cool and cut: Remove from the oven and allow the Florentines to cool slightly but remain pliable. Then cut into desired shapes such as rectangles or diamonds.
- Decorate with chocolate: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines, then allow the chocolate to set completely before serving for a decadent finish.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, spread the mixture thinner but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use good quality dark chocolate for a rich, deep flavor.
- Store Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Double cream can be substituted with heavy cream if unavailable.
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to set fully at room temperature or speed up by refrigerating briefly.
