Classic Florentine Cookies: A Crisp Delight with a Chocolate Twist

Florentine cookies are a classic treat known for their crispy texture and delightful mix of flavors, featuring oats, almonds, and a luscious chocolate base. These cookies combine the nutty crunch of almonds with the wholesome goodness of oats, all brought together with a rich, dark chocolate backing that complements the cookie’s light sweetness perfectly. Ideal for cookie enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike, these Florentines offer a sophisticated twist on traditional cookies.

Why You’ll Love This:

These Florentine cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gifting or serving on special occasions. The combination of textures—from the crispy cookie to the smooth chocolate—provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. Moreover, the simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, yet the result is anything but ordinary. The use of dark chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of luxury to each cookie.

Perfect Occasion:

Florentine cookies are fantastic for holiday gatherings, as part of a festive cookie exchange, or as a refined treat to accompany coffee or tea. They’re also excellent as a homemade gift, beautifully packaged in a decorative box or tin. Serve them at your next dinner party or bring them along to a family brunch; these cookies are sure to impress with their elegant appearance and exquisite taste.

Decoration Tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the set dark chocolate for a stylish contrast. Alternatively, sprinkle a little sea salt or crushed nuts on the chocolate before it sets to add texture and enhance the flavor. To make them even more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of edible gold dust or colorful sugar sprinkles just before the chocolate sets.

Ingredients:

• Cookies:
  • 112 grams of unsalted butter
  • 175 grams of brown sugar
  • 103 grams of whole oats
  • 52 grams of sliced almonds
  • 11 grams of all-purpose flour (or oat flour)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
• Decoration:
  • 150 grams of dark chocolate (50%-70% cocoa)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir continuously until it begins to boil; remove from heat immediately.
3. Stir in the oats and almonds until well combined.
4. Mix in the flour, salt, vanilla, and egg until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
5. Using a measuring spoon, drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well apart.
6. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Immediately after baking, use a larger cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to perfect the round shape of the cookies. Allow to cool completely.
8. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
9. On a clean piece of parchment paper, spoon two teaspoons of melted chocolate for each cookie, spaced well apart.
10. Place a cookie on each pool of chocolate, pressing down slightly to spread the chocolate to the edges.
11. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Enjoy these exquisite Florentine cookies, a perfect blend of crispy, nutty, and chocolatey that will elevate any dessert table or coffee break!