Florentine Cookies are the ultimate blend of crispiness and delicacy, with buttery caramelized edges, a nutty crunch, and just the right touch of chocolate. These pretty, lacy treats are surprisingly simple to make, yet taste as if they came straight from a European café. With each bite, you’ll enjoy complex textures: glossy chocolate, chewy bits of candied orange, and the satisfying snap of toasted nuts. Florentine Cookies are perfect when you want something a little fancy without fuss—ideal for holidays, tea time, or as a gift from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Florentine Cookies lies in how a handful of pantry staples unite for a truly gourmet result. Each ingredient plays its own delightful role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Lends a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and helps build that signature golden lace around the edges.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes to create those beautiful, delicate cookie wafers.
- Light corn syrup or honey (2 tablespoons): Keeps the cookies wonderfully chewy and gives them their classic glossy finish.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a hint of richness and ensures the batter spreads just right.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Provides just enough structure for the cookies to hold together without losing their fragile crispness.
- Finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts (1/2 cup): The nutty backbone—lightly toast for extra flavor if you like!
- Candied orange peel, optional (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely citrusy bite and a pop of color (use if you want that extra touch of Italian flair).
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and delivers warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight all the best flavors.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate, melted (1/2 cup): For dipping or drizzling—think of it as the finishing flourish that makes Florentine Cookies truly irresistible.
How to Make Florentine Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by setting yourself up for success: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This is essential because Florentine Cookies are delicate and need a nonstick surface to slide off easily after cooling. Getting everything in place ahead of time keeps the process smooth and fun.
Step 2: Cook the Cookie Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your butter, sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and heavy cream. Stir continuously—this step is like magic in motion! Watch as the butter melts, the sugar dissolves, and everything melds into a golden, glossy mixture. Once fully melted, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the all-purpose flour, finely chopped nuts, candied orange peel (if using), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly distributed, and take a deep breath—the aroma alone will tell you something delightful is in store. You’ll have a thick, sticky batter that holds all those tiny bits in place.
Step 4: Portion Out the Cookies
Using a teaspoon (or a small ice cream scoop if you want perfectly uniform cookies), drop rounded teaspoons of batter onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to give them plenty of space—about 3 inches apart—because Florentine Cookies spread a lot while baking. Gently press each mound down a bit with the back of your spoon to encourage even lacing.
Step 5: Baking
Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges turn deep golden brown. If ever there was a moment to keep an eye on your oven, this is it! Once baked, let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes; they’ll firm up and become easier to move. Using a spatula, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Chocolate Finishing Touch
Now comes the most satisfying part—dipping or drizzling! Once your Florentine Cookies have cooled, dip the bottoms into melted chocolate, or use a fork to drizzle artistic zigzags across the tops. Place them onto fresh parchment to set; this step transforms them into something out of a pastry shop, ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Florentine Cookies
Garnishes
All by themselves, Florentine Cookies are showstoppers, but for a little extra pizzazz you can dust them with a bit of powdered sugar or zest some fresh orange peel on top just before serving. Crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt also add both beauty and a hint of gourmet flair.
Side Dishes
Florentine Cookies shine alongside a good cup of espresso, a mug of dark roast coffee, or even a scoop of gelato. Arrange them on a plate with berries and perhaps a few squares of fine chocolate for a simple but elegant after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Florentine Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon as a homemade gift, or layer them in a pretty tin for holiday sharing. For dinner parties, serve them upright in a vintage glass, or create a modern dessert platter with fresh fruit and chocolate truffles. Their lacy look alone makes them a conversation piece at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Florentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment between each one to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay crisp and lovely for up to a week—if they last that long!
Freezing
Florentine Cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—no one will know they weren’t freshly made.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm and crisp, pop them in a hot oven (about 300°F) for just 2 or 3 minutes. Let them cool for a moment before serving, and they’ll taste like they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in my Florentine Cookies?
Absolutely! Hazelnuts and almonds are traditional, but you can swap in pecans, walnuts, or even a mix for a unique twist. Just be sure to chop them finely so the cookies spread evenly and crisp up lusciously.
How do I keep Florentine Cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats are your best friends here. Florentines can be sticky thanks to their caramelized edges, so a nonstick surface makes removing them easy without breaking their delicate shape.
Why are my Florentine Cookies spreading too much?
These cookies are meant to be thin and lacy, but if they spread excessively, it may be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Measure carefully, and make sure your batter is well mixed. Also, refrigerating the batter for 20 minutes before baking can help control the spread.
Is candied orange peel necessary?
Not at all—it’s completely optional! Candied orange peel gives a lovely citrusy note, but Florentine Cookies are delicious even without it. Try substituting dried cranberries or leave it out for a nut-forward cookie.
Can I make Florentine Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Florentine Cookies are forgiving and still turn out beautifully crisp and delicious when made gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cookie that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying, give Florentine Cookies a try. With just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of chocolate, you’ll have a batch of treats that look as impressive as they taste. Happy baking, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks you for this delightful recipe!
Print
Florentine Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and crisp, Florentine Cookies are a classic Italian treat perfect for holidays or elegant tea times. These almond and candied orange peel lace cookies are dipped in rich dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)
Flavorings:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate, melted (for dipping or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Making the Batter: In a small saucepan, melt butter, sugar, corn syrup, and cream. Remove from heat and stir in flour, nuts, orange peel, vanilla, and salt.
- Baking: Drop rounded teaspoons of batter onto baking sheets. Flatten slightly and bake for 7–9 minutes until golden brown.
- Cooling and Chocolate Dipping: Cool cookies on a wire rack. Dip bottoms in melted chocolate or drizzle over the tops.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment for up to 1 week.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform cookies.
- Perfect for holidays or tea-time treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
