Vegetarian Florentines

Recipe

Vegetarian Florentines

Deliciously Nutty Vegetarian Florentines: A Twist on the Italian Classic

4.8 out of 5

In the realm of vegetarian cuisine, these Vegetarian Florentines offer a delightful twist on the traditional Italian treat. With their delicate nutty flavor and irresistible crunch, they are a perfect addition to any vegetarian dessert spread. Indulge in these delectable cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while adhering to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Cookie› Florentines
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine
Cuisine styles› Vegetarian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

30-32 minutes

Yields

This recipe makes approximately 12 Vegetarian Florentines

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Lacto-vegetarian, Ovo-vegetarian, Flexitarian, Pescatarian (if using a seafood-based butter substitute)

Allergens

Almonds, Pistachios, Dairy (if using a dairy-based butter substitute), Gluten (unless using a gluten-free flour substitute), Honey (can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan version)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Paleo, Gluten-free (unless using a gluten-free flour substitute), Dairy-free (unless using a dairy-free butter substitute), Nut-free (due to the presence of almonds and pistachios)

Ingredients

The original Florentines typically contain ingredients like butter and eggs, which are not suitable for a vegetarian diet. This vegetarian adaptation replaces these ingredients with plant-based alternatives, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian lifestyle. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
  • Fat: 10g (total), 4g (saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 21g (total), 15g (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 substitute over medium heat. Add the sugar, heavy cream substitute, and honey. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. 3.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and add the sliced almonds, chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
  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 mixture with the back of a spoon to create thin, round cookies.
  6. 6.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  7. 7.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Almonds — Ensure the sliced almonds are evenly distributed in the mixture for a balanced texture.
  • Pistachios — Use unsalted pistachios to control the overall saltiness of the cookies.
  • Dried cranberries — If the cranberries are too dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture.
  • Butter substitute — Choose a high-quality plant-based butter substitute for the best flavor and texture.
  • Honey substitute — For a vegan version, replace honey with an equal amount of maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

  • To achieve thin and crispy Florentines, make sure to flatten the spoonfuls of mixture before baking.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet to prevent them from breaking.
  • Experiment with different combinations of nuts and dried fruits to customize the flavor of your Florentines.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
  • Serve the Vegetarian Florentines alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegetarian Florentines as a sweet ending to a vegetarian meal or as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea. Arrange them on a platter or in a cookie jar for an inviting presentation.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines. Alternatively, dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet charming look. Arrange them on a decorative plate or in individual paper liners for a visually appealing display.

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