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.