Honey Almond Lace Cookies Florentines
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Fancy a Cuppa and a Cookie?
Ever wondered how to make a cookie that looks like it belongs in a fancy patisserie? Well, get ready because we're diving into honey almond lace cookies ! These aren't your average biscuits.
They're thin, crispy, and absolutely divine.
What's the Buzz About These Cookies?
These little gems, sometimes known as Almond Florentines , have a fancy history. They're thought to have originated in Florence, Italy.
Think sun-drenched terraces and posh afternoon teas. Don’t worry! This easy lace cookie recipe isn't just for pro bakers. It's a medium difficulty bake, taking only about 45 minutes.
This recipe will yield about 24 cookies. Plenty to share...or not!
Why You'll Love These Lacy Wonders
Okay, let's get real. Besides tasting amazing, these thin crispy cookies are packed with almonds, which are a great source of healthy fats.
Plus, the touch of honey isn't just for sweetness; it adds a lovely depth of flavor. These lace cookies with chocolate (if you choose to dip them, and honestly, why wouldn't you?) are a perfect for Christmas gatherings or just a "treat yourself" moment on a gloomy Tuesday.
It's like a little hug in cookie form, you know? Honestly, what makes these homemade Florentines special is their delicate texture and sophisticated flavour.
Ready to learn how to create these lacy beauties? Let’s have a look at what you need. We'll go through all the ingredients and the steps to make your own candied orange peel cookies a reality!
Right, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these Honey Almond Lace Cookies! Honestly, don’t be intimidated. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this Florentine cookies recipe.
What You Need To Make Lace Cookies
Time to get your apron on!
Main Ingredients for Lacy Almond Cookies
Here’s the lowdown on the stuff you'll need.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Good quality butter is key for that rich flavour. The proper fat content will help give you that nice thin crispy cookies texture.
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Nothing fancy here, just regular white sugar does the trick.
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Proper local honey adds such a warm flavour!
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Don't skimp.
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Just regular flour, don't overthink it.
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup (30g) . Get the good ones, they make all the difference.
- Candied orange peel: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped. If you want to sub candied peel, you can use marmalade as a 1:1 substitute.
- Vanilla extract: 1/4 teaspoon . Pure vanilla is always best.
- Salt: A pinch.
If you are going for Lace cookies with chocolate:
- Semi sweet dark chocolate: 4 ounces (115g) , chopped. Choose a brand you enjoy eating!
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil: 1 teaspoon . This helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
Let's talk about Seasoning Notes
Okay, so the honey is your main flavour enhancer. It gives the cookies that signature warmth. The almond and candied orange are aromatics.
They give the cookies the perfect Christmas Lace cookies vibe! If you are not a fan of the orange, subbing for lemon zest is a good shout for a more citrusy flavour.
Essential Equipment Needed
You don’t need a ton of fancy gear for this Easy Lace Cookie Recipe.
- Baking sheets: Get those bad boys ready.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Essential for non-stick.
- Small saucepan: For melting the butter.
- Whisk: To combine the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs!
- Spatula: For transferring the cookies.
- Double boiler or microwave safe bowl: For melting chocolate (optional).
Honestly, you can get away with just about anything to melt chocolate. I've even used a metal bowl over a simmering pot of water in a pinch.
It still gives you Homemade Florentines! Just keep an eye on it.
Right, that's the gear sorted. Now, let's get baking.
Let's Bake: Honey Almond Lace Cookies (Florentines)
Right, love, let's talk about Honey Almond Lace Cookies , or Florentines , as some posh folks call them. Honestly, these thin crispy cookies are easier than you think.
Think delicate, nutty, and perfect with a cuppa. I have vivid memories of making them with my grandma around Christmas , she always had the best secret easy lace cookie recipe .
Let's get baking!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Essential mise en place is key. Get your ingredients measured and ready. Chop that candied orange peel . This prevents last minute scrambles.
It really helps save time and sanity. Always preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This will prevent burning and ensures even baking.
step-by-step: From Batter to Beauty
- Prep those sheets! Grease or line baking sheets. I like silicone mats. They're reusable!
- Melt the good stuff. In a pan, melt 1/2 cup butter , 1/4 cup sugar , and 1/4 cup honey over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Add the creams and dries. Take off the heat and then Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream, 1/4 cup flour , 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Get nutty and Citrusy. Fold in 1/4 cup almonds and 1/4 cup candied orange peel . I love the aroma at this point.
- Drop and bake! Drop teaspoon sized blobs onto the sheets. Leave space. Bake for 8- 12 minutes . Watch them!
- Cool, then transfer the Lacy almond cookies . Let them cool slightly before moving to a rack. Patience, my friend!
- Chocolate Time!(Optional) Melt 4 ounces dark chocolate with 1 tsp of shortening or coconut oil. Dip cooled cookies, and chill for 10- 15 minutes .
Pro Tips for Perfect Florentines
For extra flavour, use high-quality honey, it makes a difference. To prevent burning, watch the oven. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet as Almond Florentines can merge into one giant cookie.
Store cooled homemade Florentines in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Honestly, these lace cookies with chocolate are a winner. Give this Florentine cookies recipe a go. I think this honey almond lace cookies recipe is to die for, so it must be good, yeah?! You'll love them!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Honey Almond Lace Cookies
So, you're ready to tackle these amazing honey almond lace cookies , also known as Almond Florentines ? Brilliant! Let's chat about some things to keep in mind.
Honestly, these thin crispy cookies are easier than you think.
Serving Up Some Style: Presentation Tips
These lace cookies are gorgeous on their own. But a little plating can make them sing. Think scattering them on a pretty platter.
Add some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of dessert wine, like a Moscato, is also fab with these! My nan always served them with a strong cuppa.
Perfect!
Storing Like a Pro: Keep 'Em Fresh
If you manage to not eat all of these candied orange peel cookies straight away, here's the lowdown on storing.
For the best lace cookies with chocolate experience, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay good for up to 3 days.
If you need longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them well. To reheat, just let them come to room temperature.
Avoid microwaving, unless you want a gooey mess.
Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations for Every Taste
Want to mix things up? Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour. Also, if you're not a fan of orange, try using lemon zest instead! This gives them a lovely, bright twist.
I once accidentally used salted butter. And you know what? It was amazing! That extra bit of salt really highlighted the sweetness of the honey and almonds.
Nutrition Nuggets: A Little Bit About What You're Eating
Okay, let's be real. These are cookies. They aren't health food. Each homemade Florentine is about 70 calories. But, hey, at least you're getting some almonds in there! They are rich in nutrients! Honey is also an amazing alternative to sugar as well!
Making these easy lace cookie recipe is like a little hug in cookie form. Seriously, these crispy cookies are so worth the effort.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Whether you make these for Christmas lace cookies or just because, they are sure to impress.
Now go bake some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my lace cookies spreading too thin and disappearing on the baking sheet?
Lace cookies are notorious for spreading! This is usually because the butter is too soft to begin with, or the oven temperature isn't quite right. Make sure your butter is cool, not melted, and that your oven is accurately preheated.
Also, try chilling the batter for 15-20 minutes before baking; this can help control the spread.
Help! My lace cookies are burning around the edges but not cooked in the middle. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded burnt edge scenario! This likely means your oven is running a bit hot, or the baking sheet is too dark. Try reducing the oven temperature by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit and using a lighter colored baking sheet.
Alternatively, you can double up on baking sheets, placing one underneath the other to insulate the cookies from the direct heat.
Can I make these Honey Almond Lace Cookies ahead of time? How should I store them?
Absolutely! Lace cookies are great for making in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper. Just like a biscuit tin at Grandma's!
What are some fun variations I can try with this lace cookies recipe?
The possibilities are endless! You could add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. Chopped pecans or walnuts are lovely substitutes for almonds. A drizzle of white chocolate instead of dark chocolate would also be delicious, or add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a salted caramel vibe.
Are lace cookies gluten-free friendly? Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the cookies together, as gluten provides structure in traditional baking.
My chocolate isn't setting properly on my dipped lace cookies. What's the secret?
Getting that perfect chocolate set can be tricky! Make sure you're using a good quality chocolate and adding a tiny bit of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help with the melting and setting process. Also, ensure your cookies are completely cooled before dipping.
After dipping, pop them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to firm up the chocolate quickly.
Honey Almond Lace Cookies Florentines
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 70 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |