Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe

If you’re into cookies that offer a perfect balance between crunchy, chewy, and rich chocolatey goodness, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe. These lace-like beauties are packed with toasted almonds, a hint of orange, and sandwiched with glossy melted chocolate. Trust me, the first time I made them, my family went nuts—and I think you’re going to feel the same. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into a cookie adventure that’s naturally gluten-free and downright irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe lies in its simple yet decadent ingredients. Fresh raw almonds bring the crunch, the subtle citrus notes from dried oranges brighten the cookie, and the bittersweet chocolate brings it all home. When shopping, go for high-quality chocolate and raw almonds for the best flavor.

• Raw almonds: Toasting and peeling them yourself yields a fresher nuttier taste than pre-sliced or roasted versions.
• All-purpose flour: Just a touch helps bind the almonds, but the recipe is mostly nut-forward.
• Dried oranges (optional): Adds a lovely citrusy zing—if you like it, consider it a must-try.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie while helping to create that shiny, lace-like caramel texture.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel base.
• Light corn syrup or light agave syrup: Keeps the sugary mixture glossy and prevents crystallization.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash brightens the whole cookie and complements the almonds beautifully.
• Dark or milk chocolate: I like dark chocolate to balance the sweetness but milk works if you prefer milder.

Variations

I love adapting this Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to customize it! Little tweaks can transform the flavor profile or adjust the texture to suit your taste.

• Orange Peel Swap: Sometimes I use lemon zest instead of dried oranges for a brighter citrus kick that pairs wonderfully with the almonds.
• Nut Mix: Occasionally, I mix chopped hazelnuts or pecans with the almonds for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Types: Dark, milk, or even white chocolate drizzle—each gives a unique finish and sweetness level.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer, swap corn syrup for honey or maple syrup; it’s an easy switch but changes the flavor and texture slightly.

How to Make Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Almonds with Love

First things first: peeling your raw almonds takes a little work but makes such a difference in texture and flavor. I bring a pot of water to a boil and drop in the almonds for just 1 minute—no longer, or they get too soft. Then I drain, cool them quickly with cold water, and rub them gently in a towel to slip off their skins. Dry them well because moisture is the enemy of crispy florentines!

Step 2: Finely Chop and Mix

I pop the peeled almonds in my food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped but not ground into meal. Next, stir them together with the flour and dried orange peel if you’re using it. This combo will create the foundation for those beautifully lacy cookies.

Step 3: Making the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt the sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter together over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally until everything comes to a rolling boil and the sugar dissolves completely. I like to simmer this for about a minute to get that perfect caramel consistency—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn, though.

Step 4: Combine & Cool

Pour the hot caramel mixture into the almonds mixture along with vanilla extract and stir until the almonds are well coated. Let the dough cool down for about 15 minutes so it’s easier to handle. If it feels crumbly when you scoop it, warming it slightly in your hands softens it nicely so you can shape without frustration.

Step 5: Shape & Bake

Use a teaspoon to portion out dough balls and roll into tight, round spheres. Spacing is key—place them 6 inches apart since they spread wide (about 3 inches). I usually do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. If they touch, gently separate with a knife while still warm; they set quickly as they cool!

Step 6: Melt Chocolate & Sandwich

While the cookies cool on a wire rack, melt your chocolate in short bursts in the microwave (10 seconds at a time), stirring between, to avoid burning. Once everything is cool, spread the chocolate on one cookie’s flat side, then sandwich with another. If you want a zigzag drizzle on top, put melted chocolate in a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe away.

How to Serve Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the Florentines simple, but if I want a little extra flair, I’ll sprinkle some flaky sea salt on the melted chocolate before it sets—it perfectly balances the sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top never hurts either, especially for a fancy holiday party.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of black coffee or a rich espresso if you want to amp up the indulgence. For something lighter, a fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of berries complements their sweetness without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange my Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe on a tiered serving tray lined with parchment paper and decorated with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Sometimes, I wrap pairs in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for DIY edible gifts that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sandwiched, I store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep their texture and flavor beautifully for up to two weeks. I’ve found that chilling actually helps the chocolate set perfectly and enhances the almond crunch.

Freezing

If I want to prep well in advance, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Just individually wrap them in parchment or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they return close to freshly made texture—super convenient for holiday baking marathons!

Reheating

I usually enjoy these chilled, but if you want to warm them just a touch, 5-10 seconds in the microwave softens the chocolate slightly and brings out the toasty almond aroma without melting the sandwich apart.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I could go on about how much I adore this Flourless Almond Florentine Cookies with Chocolate Recipe, but honestly, my best advice is just to try it yourself. Every batch has been a hit at my house, and each time I make them, I feel like I’ve rediscovered a little sweet magic. They’re elegant enough to impress guests yet simple enough for a cozy night in. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—happy baking, friend!

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