Florentines with a Tropical Twist

Recipe

Florentines with a Tropical Twist

Puerto Rican Florentines: A Taste of the Tropics

4.9 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Puerto Rico with these delightful Puerto Rican Florentines. This adaptation of the classic Italian treat combines the traditional Florentine recipe with the vibrant ingredients of Puerto Rican cuisine. With a tropical twist, these cookies are a perfect blend of crispy, nutty, and fruity flavors that will transport you to the sunny beaches of Puerto Rico.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Cookie› Florentines
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› Caribbean cuisine› Puerto Rican cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

30-32 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 12 Puerto Rican Florentines

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free all-purpose flour), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Nut-free (if omitting almonds and using alternative ingredients)

Allergens

Tree nuts (almonds), Dairy (butter), Gluten (all-purpose flour)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains honey and butter), Paleo (contains sugar and all-purpose flour)

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with almonds and dried fruits, this Puerto Rican adaptation incorporates local ingredients such as coconut and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. The addition of these flavors gives the cookies a unique twist and a taste that is reminiscent of the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150 kcal / 628 KJ
  • Fat: 9g (3g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 16g (12g sugars)
  • 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 medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugar, heavy cream, and honey, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. 3.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced almonds, shredded coconut, diced pineapple, diced mango, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. 4.
    Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
  5. 5.
    Flatten each spoonful of the mixture slightly with the back of a spoon to create a thin, round shape.
  6. 6.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
  7. 7.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This will enhance their flavor in the Florentines.
  • Pineapple and Mango — Ensure the diced pineapple and mango are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a crispier texture, bake the Florentines for a few minutes longer until they turn a deeper golden brown.
  • Experiment with different tropical fruits such as papaya or passion fruit for a variety of flavors.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these Puerto Rican Florentines as a delightful treat with a cup of Puerto Rican coffee or as a sweet ending to a tropical-inspired meal. They also make a lovely gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The vibrant colors of the tropical fruits will make the cookies visually appealing.

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