Decadent Florentines: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 50g demerara sugar
  • 50g golden syrup
  • 50g plain flour
  • 25g dried cranberries
  • 50g candied peel
  • 25g almonds, roughly chopped
  • 25g hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • 200g dark chocolate

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 and line three baking trays with silicone paper.
  2. Melt the butter in a small pan along with the sugar and golden syrup.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour, cranberries, candied peel and chopped nuts. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. With a teaspoon, drop six equal portions of the mixture onto each of the prepared baking trays. Make sure they are spaced well apart because the mixture will spread when baking.
  5. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden-brown. Leave the Florentines to cool on the trays for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  6. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Spread the melted chocolate over the flat base of each Florentine, then make wavy lines in the chocolate with a fork.
  7. Leave to cool chocolate side up until the chocolate has set.

Tools for making

  • Baking trays - Three baking trays to line with silicone paper for baking the Florentines.
  • Small pan - A small pan to melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup.
  • Teaspoon - A teaspoon to drop equal portions of the mixture onto the baking trays.
  • Cooling rack - A cooling rack to transfer the baked Florentines and allow them to cool completely.
  • Heatproof bowl - A heatproof bowl to melt the chocolate in a double boiler setup.
  • Fork - A fork to create decorative wavy lines in the melted chocolate on the Florentines.

Recipe variations

  • Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the topping.
  • Add dried apricots, raisins, or other dried fruits to the mixture.
  • Replace the plain flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with different types of nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the mixture for added flavor.
  • Try using honey or maple syrup instead of golden syrup for a different sweetness.
  • Include grated orange or lemon zest to the mixture for a citrusy twist.
  • For a festive variation, add a sprinkle of edible gold or silver dust on top of the chocolate.

Recipe overview

If you're a fan of crispy, nutty cookies with a hint of fruit and a decadent chocolate layer, then these Florentines are for you! Originating from Florence, Italy, Florentines are a delightful combination of candied fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate. They are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special celebration or simply an afternoon tea. Expect a delicious cookie that is both crunchy and chewy, with a rich and glossy chocolate base. The mix of almonds, hazelnuts, and cranberries gives a delightful texture and flavor contrast, while the golden syrup brings sweetness and a lovely golden color. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the overall saltiness of the Florentines.
  2. Can I substitute golden syrup with honey or maple syrup? Yes, you can substitute golden syrup with honey or maple syrup if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor of the Florentines.
  3. Can I use different types of nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts or a combination of different nuts to customize the recipe to your liking.
  4. Can I omit the dried cranberries and candied peel? Yes, you can omit the dried cranberries and candied peel if you prefer. You can replace them with other dried fruits or simply increase the amount of nuts.
  5. Do I have to line the baking trays with silicone paper? Using silicone paper prevents the Florentines from sticking to the baking trays and ensures easy removal. If you don't have silicone paper, you can use parchment paper as an alternative.
  6. How long does it take for the chocolate to set? The chocolate usually takes around 1-2 hours to set at room temperature. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can place the Florentines in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking trays - Needed to bake the Florentines in the oven.
  • Silicone paper - Used to line the baking trays and prevent the Florentines from sticking.
  • Small pan - Used to melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup.
  • Heatproof bowl - Used to melt the chocolate over a pan of simmering water.
  • Fork - Used to create wavy lines in the chocolate on top of the Florentines.
  • Cooling rack - Used to cool the Florentines after baking and when the chocolate is added.

Origin stories

Florentines, despite their Italian name, are a sweet treat whose origins remain a point of delightful contention. Some food historians argue that these lacy, nut-filled biscuits were first created in the bustling kitchens of French royalty, then named after the city of Florence to honor an influential Italian noblewoman. Others maintain that Florentines were indeed born in Italy, in the heart of Tuscany, and later migrated to France and beyond. What is known without doubt is that these treats, with their irresistible blend of nuts, fruit, and chocolate, have charmed palates across continents for centuries. Whether French or Italian in origin, Florentines embody the spirit of European confectionery - a marriage of simple ingredients and intricate craftsmanship that results in a dessert both humble and flamboyantly delicious.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.