Quick Florentines Recipe

Introduction

Quick florentines are delicate, nutty cookies coated with rich dark chocolate, perfect for a simple yet elegant treat. They combine caramelized almonds and a smooth chocolate finish, making them irresistible for nut lovers and chocolate fans alike.

Ingredients

• 100g caster sugar
• 40g honey
• 60g butter
• 75g double cream
• 200g flaked almonds
• 60g ground almonds
• 100g dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the caster sugar, honey, butter, and double cream in a small pan. Heat the mixture until it comes to a boil, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flaked almonds and ground almonds until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C or gas mark 4). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
4. Step 4: Using two teaspoons, form about 35 small heaps of the mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes or until the florentines are golden and lightly caramelized. If the mixture separates during baking, use the teaspoons to reshape the heaps.
6. Step 6: Allow the florentines to cool completely on the baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Melt the dark chocolate either in a microwave in short bursts or in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water.
8. Step 8: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the underside of each cooled florentine with the melted chocolate. Place them chocolate side up on the parchment to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the almond mixture before baking.
• Use white or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different taste.
• Make sure to space the florentines well on the tray to prevent them from sticking together as they spread.

Storage

Store the florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them in a cool place to prevent the chocolate from melting. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. They do not reheat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can substitute flaked almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, but keep the quantity similar for the right texture and size.

How do I prevent florentines from sticking to the baking paper?

Using good-quality non-stick baking parchment helps, and letting the florentines cool completely before moving them will also reduce sticking. Proper spacing during baking also prevents them from joining together.

Quick Florentines Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 35 small florentines 1x

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Description

Quick and easy florentines, featuring a caramelized almond base topped with a smooth dark chocolate coating. Perfectly crisp, sweet, and nutty, these bite-sized treats are ideal for a delightful snack or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Florentine Base

• 100g caster sugar
• 40g honey
• 60g butter
• 75g double cream
• 200g flaked almonds
• 60g ground almonds

Chocolate Coating

• 100g dark chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prepare caramel mixture: In a small pan, heat the caster sugar, honey, and butter together with the double cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 5 minutes to achieve a rich caramel consistency.
2. Add almonds: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flaked almonds and ground almonds until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Shape florentines: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C), gas mark 4. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Using two teaspoons, carefully form around 35 small heaps of the almond mixture and place them spaced apart on the sheet.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the florentines are lightly caramelized to a golden color. If the mixture spreads or separates during baking, use the spoons to reshape them into neat piles while still warm.
5. Cool: Allow the florentines to cool completely on a wire rack. This will enable them to set and become crisp.
6. Melt chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate either in a microwave in short bursts or using a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
7. Apply chocolate coating: Using a pastry brush, coat the underside of each chilled florentine with the melted chocolate. Place them chocolate-side up on a clean surface and let the chocolate set completely before serving.

Notes

• If the caramel mixture separates, simply reshape the florentines with spoons during or after baking.
• Double cream can be substituted with heavy cream if unavailable.
• Use good quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
• Store florentines in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• These can be made ahead and kept at room temperature for several days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: florentines, almond cookies, caramelized almonds, quick dessert, chocolate coated florentines