Are you craving a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these Almond Florentine Cookies! These elegant cookies are perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a sophisticated holiday gathering. With their crispy edges and nutty, buttery center, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick dinner idea, or simply enjoy a little slice of heaven all to yourself!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is key to achieving a tender cookie.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Add Almonds
Gently fold in the sliced almonds.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but will store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Almond Florentine Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will shine through in these cookies, so use a brand you enjoy.
- Chill the dough (optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Almond Florentines: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Almond Florentines: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Nut Variations: Substitute pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for the almonds.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Sodium: 50-70mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious and easy-to-make Almond Florentine Cookies are a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes. They're a wonderful treat for any occasion and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!