Turkish Florentines

Recipe

Turkish Florentines

Delightful Turkish Almond Cookies

In Turkish cuisine, we have put a delightful twist on the classic Italian Florentines. These Turkish Florentines are a delectable combination of almonds, honey, and orange zest, creating a perfect balance of flavors. They are a beloved treat in Turkish households, often enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

10-12 minutes

30-32 minutes

This recipe makes approximately 20 Turkish Florentines

Easy

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Nut-free (if almonds are substituted with seeds or dried fruits), Egg-free, Low cholesterol

Almonds, Dairy (butter and cream)

Vegan (contains honey and dairy), Dairy-free (contains butter and cream)

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are made with ingredients like butter, sugar, and dried fruits, the Turkish adaptation incorporates traditional Turkish flavors such as honey and orange zest. Additionally, the Turkish version tends to have a slightly softer texture compared to the crispiness of the Italian Florentines. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat: 8g (2g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 12g (8g 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 saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the honey, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  3. 3.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped almonds, flour, heavy cream, and milk. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. 4.
    Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
  5. 5.
    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
  6. 6.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. 7.
    Once cooled, dust the Turkish Florentines with powdered sugar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Almonds — Make sure to finely chop the almonds for a better texture in the cookies.
  • Honey — Use a good quality honey for a rich and authentic flavor.
  • Orange zest — Grate the orange zest finely to infuse the cookies with a subtle citrus aroma.
  • Heavy cream — Use full-fat heavy cream for a creamy and luscious texture.
  • Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting the cookies for an even and elegant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a variation, you can add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the cookie mixture for a burst of sweetness.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the cookies for a few minutes longer until they turn golden brown all over.
  • Store the Turkish Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
  • These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
  • Serve the Turkish Florentines alongside a cup of Turkish tea or coffee for a truly authentic experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Florentines on a platter or a decorative plate. They are best enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Turkish Florentines in a circular pattern on the serving platter, dusted with powdered sugar. Garnish with a few slivered almonds or orange zest for an elegant touch.