Florentine Lace Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup or honey
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg white

For the Filling:

  • 8 ounces dark, milk, or white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Cookies:

  1. Preheat your oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Prepare the butter mixture:
    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup (or honey). Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Mix dry ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, combine almond flour and salt.
  4. Combine wet ingredients:
    • Remove butter mixture from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
  5. Make the batter:
    • Add butter mixture to almond flour mixture. Mix until well combined.
    • Whisk in egg white until batter is smooth.
  6. Shape the cookies:
    • Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart.
    • Flatten each mound with the back of a spoon or fingers to form thin rounds (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
  7. Bake the cookies:
    • Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
    • Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. They will be soft initially but will crisp up as they cool.
  8. Shape while warm:
    • While still warm and pliable, use a spatula to carefully lift and drape cookies over a rolling pin or bottle to create a curved shape, giving them their lace-like appearance.
    • Let cookies cool completely on the rolling pin or bottle to set their shape.

Making the Filling:

  1. Prepare the chocolate ganache:
    • In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering.
    • Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
    • Add vanilla extract and stir mixture until chocolate is melted and smooth.
  2. Fill the cookies:
    • Carefully remove cooled cookies from rolling pin or bottle.
    • Spoon generous amount of chocolate ganache onto flat side of one cookie.
    • Sandwich another cookie on top, gently pressing to spread filling to edges.
  3. Let set:
    • Place filled cookies on wire rack or parchment-lined tray to allow chocolate filling to set.

Cooking Notes:

  • Thin Cookies: Achieve thin, crisp texture by spreading batter thinly before baking and shaping immediately after baking while still warm.
  • Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for delicate texture and nutty flavor.
  • Corn Syrup or Honey: Enhances smooth, glossy texture in butter mixture.

Variations:

Nut-Free Version:

  • Replace almond flour with finely ground oats or all-purpose flour.

Orange Zest Variation:

  • Add 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest to cookie batter along with vanilla extract.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use other types of flour?
    • Experiment with other flours, but almond flour is recommended for best results.
  2. How should I store these cookies?
    • Store filled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper.
  3. Can I freeze these cookies?
    • Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month in airtight container; thaw at room temperature before filling.
  4. Can I use a different filling?
    • Use various ganaches or fruit preserves as alternative fillings.
  5. How do I prevent cookies from sticking?
    • Ensure cookies are completely cooled before filling; use parchment-lined trays or racks.
  6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
    • Make cookies ahead and fill just before serving for best texture.

These Florentine Lace Cookies are a true delight, combining delicate textures with rich chocolate filling. Whether for tea time or a special event, they promise to impress with their beauty and flavor. Try them for your next gathering and enjoy the magic! Happy Baking.

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