Florentine Cookies: The Real Secret For Delicious Florentine Cookies.
These are a delicious, crunchy Florentine cookie made with almonds and chocolate. They have all the flavors of a classic chocolate truffle in cookie form and are easy enough to make. They’re perfect for the holidays!
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, room temp
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- Soften the butter: Put the butter in a room temperature (not melted) bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Add sugar and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until well blended (no longer than 1 minute). Scrape down sides of bowl as needed during this process so that all ingredients are combined evenly
2 cups powdered sugar
- Powdered sugar is a fine white powder made from granulated sugar. It’s used in baking, cakes and cookies, as well as frostings and other sweet treats.
- The word “powdered” comes from the fact that the sugar has been pulverized into tiny particles.
2 large eggs, separated
Separating eggs is a simple process, but it does require some attention.
- Break the egg over a small bowl (or large measuring cup). Be careful not to break the yolk!
- Use your thumb to remove the top part of the shell from around the egg white, but don’t discard it yet!
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon all, purpose flour
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons all, purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder; stir with a whisk. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed, about 3 minutes; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl beat together the sugar and eggs with an electric mixer for 5 minutes or until well blended and pale in color. Add vanilla extract then mix well to combine.
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a type of chocolate with no sugar added to it. It’s available at most grocery stores and should be stored in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. To measure 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder:
- Place your measuring spoon into the container with the cocoa powder and level off the top by tapping it against the edge of your countertop or table until there are no more clumps (you can also use a knife to scrape off any excess).
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Using cream of tartar in baking is a simple way to stabilize egg whites and prevent cookies from spreading.
Cream of tartar is an acid, which helps to break down the proteins in egg whites when they’re whipped together. Without it, your cookies will turn out flat and dense.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt is an important ingredient for the flavor of these cookies, so don’t leave it out. It helps to bring out the flavor of the chocolate, nuts and cocoa.
Salt also helps to bring out the natural sweetness in these ingredients.
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds or hazelnuts (about 4 ounces)
The nuts can be ground in a food processor, chopped by hand or toasted in the oven. To toast them, arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, until golden brown. Then you can either chop them by hand (a quick method) or grind them in the food processor (a more industrial but just as speedy one).
Powdered sugar, optional
If you want to make your Florentine Cookies look pretty, there are a few different ways to do so. One way is to add some powdered sugar on top of your cookie after it has been baked. This will give them a nice sheen and make them look even more like the Florentines you remember from your childhood in Italy.
You can also add other toppings or decorations besides powdered sugar if you’d rather have something with more flavor or texture, but if all you have available is powdered sugar (or if it’s easier for some reason), this works just fine!
These cookies are great for the holidays!
These cookies are great for the holidays! They’re a fantastic addition to a holiday party and make a lovely cookie exchange gift. Plus, they’re easy to make and decorate.
- Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two baking sheets with oil or cooking spray; set aside. In large bowl, combine flour and salt; stir in shortening until crumbly. Stir in water until soft dough forms; shape into two balls by pressing each between your hands onto countertop.
- Decorations: Mix together confectioner’s sugar, water and vanilla extract if using unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk as directed above then drizzle over cooled Florentine Cookies using spoon dipped into cupcake liner beneath each cookie slice before sprinkling on toppings if desired – experiment because different combinations produce different results.
If you’re looking for a fun cookie for the holidays, or just love Florentines, these are great ones to try. Plus they freeze well so you can stock up on them before any event where people will be asking what kind of dessert you brought along!
