Arab-Style Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are traditionally made with butter, we have replaced it with fragrant olive oil to infuse the cookies with a distinct Arab flavor. Additionally, we have incorporated aromatic spices such as cardamom and cinnamon to enhance the Middle Eastern essence of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, olive oil, honey, sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
4. 4.
   Gently flatten each mound of dough with the back of a spoon to create thin, round cookies.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the Florentines cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use sliced almonds for this recipe as they provide the perfect texture and crunch to the Florentines.
• Olive oil — Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to infuse the cookies with a rich and fruity flavor.
• Honey — Choose a floral and aromatic honey variety to enhance the Middle Eastern taste of the Florentines.
• Cardamom and cinnamon — Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your personal preference.
• Vanilla extract — Use pure vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of luxury, dip the bottom of each Florentine in melted dark chocolate and let it set before serving.
• Experiment with different nuts such as pistachios or walnuts for a unique twist on the Arab-style Florentines.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle a little extra honey over the cooled cookies before serving.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and flavor.
• These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Serving advice

Serve these Arab-style Florentines alongside a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or a refreshing glass of mint tea. They are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert platters, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few whole almonds. The golden hue of the cookies will shine through, enticing your guests to indulge in these delightful treats.