Quick Florentines are a delightful treat that marries the rich taste of dark chocolate with the satisfying crunch of nuts and the chewiness of dried fruits. These simple yet elegant cookies can easily fit into your snacking routine or serve as a charming homemade gift. With a touch of honey for sweetness and oats for a hearty texture, Quick Florentines are the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 4mg
Why Make This Quick Florentines
Making Quick Florentines is a fantastic way to indulge in a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also offers a healthy dose of nutrients thanks to the nuts, oats, and dried fruits. They are perfect for busy days, whether you need a quick snack or a sweet addition to a dessert platter. With the rich flavor of dark chocolate and the crunch from the nuts, they are sure to impress both family and friends.
How to Make Quick Florentines
Step 1: Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your cookies. Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine 100g of mixed dried fruit, 100g of nuts, 50g of oats, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This mixture will provide the base for your florentines.
Step 3: Melting Chocolate
Melt 100g of dark chocolate using a microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; it should be smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combining
Pour the melted chocolate into the mixture and stir until every piece is coated. The chocolate should bring all the ingredients together, making it easier to form into mounds.
Step 5: Baking
Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step 6: Cooling
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the florentines to cool completely on the tray before serving. They will harden as they cool.
How to Serve Quick Florentines
Quick Florentines are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them on a dessert platter for gatherings. They also make excellent road trip snacks or lunchbox treats.
How to Store Quick Florentines
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are well protected from moisture to maintain their crunchiness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quick Florentines
- Choose Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your Quick Florentines largely depends on the type of chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the best taste.
- Nuts and Fruits: Feel free to mix and match the nuts and dried fruits based on your preference or what’s available. Pecans, walnuts, or coconut flakes can add a great twist.
- Uniform Sizes: To ensure even baking, try to make the mounds uniformly sized.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them as they bake; pulling them out once they turn golden will yield a much better texture.
Delicious Variations
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical flavor.
- Spiced Florentines: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give these cookies a warm, spiced essence.
- White Chocolate Delight: Swap in white chocolate for a sweeter alternative, combining it with berries for an extra fruit kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter flavor, although it may alter the texture slightly.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free oats to make your Quick Florentines gluten-free.
- What nut alternatives can I use? Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can replace nuts for a nut-free version.
- How long do they take to cool? Allow them to cool for about 30 minutes on the tray.
- Can I freeze Quick Florentines? Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Quick Florentines are a wonderfully easy and delicious treat that anyone can make at home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful snack or dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and delight your friends and family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of these lovely cookies! Happy baking!
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Quick Florentines
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
- 100g mixed dried fruit
- 100g mixed nuts
- 50g rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon honey
- a pinch of salt
- 100g dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed dried fruit, nuts, oats, honey, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Stir the melted chocolate into the mixture until everything is coated.
- Spoon small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them out.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, then allow to cool completely on the tray.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to two weeks. Consider variations like adding coconut or spices for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
