How to Make Crispy Chocolate-Dipped Florentines | A Simple Guide
Hello fellow bakers and chocolate enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of a classic treat that combines the crunch of nuts, the chewiness of candied fruit, and the luxurious feel of chocolate. Yes, we’re talking about making Crispy Chocolate-Dipped Florentines!
Florentines are a delightful concoction believed to have originated from Florence, Italy. These thin, crispy cookies are a balance of sweet and nutty flavors, usually dipped in chocolate for that extra wow factor. Don’t be intimidated by their fancy appearance; these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can impress at your next gathering or indulge in a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Florentines:
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or double cream
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (40g) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds (or a mix of your favorite nuts)
- 1/2 cup (50g) candied fruit (such as candied orange peel or cherries), chopped
For the Chocolate:
- 200g (about 7 oz) dark or milk chocolate, finely chopped
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Florentines won’t stick and are easy to remove.
Step 2: Make the Florentine Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves. Then, take the pan off the heat and whisk in the flour until you have a smooth mixture. Now, fold in your sliced almonds and candied fruit, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spoon small mounds of your Florentine mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave plenty of space between them as they will spread out during baking. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 3 inches of space around each blob of mixture.
Flatten the mounds slightly with the back of your spoon for a more even shape. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfect to burnt quite quickly.
Once done, remove the florentines from the oven and let them cool for a minute on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
While your Florentines are cooling, it’s time to melt your chocolate. Place your chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (make sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl). Stir gently until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Once your Florentines are cool, dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place them back on the parchment paper or on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath (for easy cleanup). If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can drizzle them with chocolate instead of dipping.
Step 5: Allow Chocolate to Set
Let your chocolate-dipped Florentines sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set. If you’re in a hurry (or just can’t wait to try them), pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.
And voilà! You’ve just made yourself a batch of irresistible, crispy chocolate-dipped Florentines. These cookies make a perfect snack alongside your coffee or tea, and they’re impressive enough to gift to friends and family (if you can bear to share them!).
A Few Tips Before You Go:
- Experiment with different nuts and candied fruits to find your perfect combination.
- White chocolate is a delicious alternative for dipping or drizzling if you prefer it over dark or milk chocolate.
- Store your Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp.
We hope this simple guide inspires you to try making these delicious treats at home. Happy baking and enjoy your crispy chocolate-dipped Florentines!
