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Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of delicate, crispy, and nutty cookies with a rich surprise, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe. These lace-like almond cookies sandwich a silky layer of chocolate that melts in your mouth, making every bite a little moment of pure joy. I remember the first time I made them—they were gone within minutes, and since then, they’ve become a favorite in my kitchen whenever I want to impress without fuss. Trust me, keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and way easier than it looks!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Elegant yet simple: The cookies look fancy but the ingredients and steps are refreshingly straightforward.
  • Perfect crunchy-chewy combo: The thin almond lace cookies crisp up nicely, while the melted chocolate adds creaminess inside.
  • Customizable flavors: You can add dried orange zest, switch between dark or milk chocolate, and even drizzle extra chocolate on top.
  • Keeps well: Store these in the fridge for up to two weeks, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create a sweet, nutty, and slightly creamy flavor profile that I’m obsessed with. Choosing good quality almonds and chocolate will really elevate these cookies, and if you want that little zing, dried orange peel is a fantastic addition.

  • Raw almonds: Peeling and finely chopping raw almonds gives these cookies their signature crunch and delicate texture.
  • All-purpose flour: Just a touch to help bind and hold the almond mix together without weighing it down.
  • Dried oranges (optional): I love adding these for a bright citrus note, but the cookies are delicious without.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the batter for depth.
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps with the gooey texture before baking.
  • Light corn syrup or light agave syrup: Keeps the cookies chewy and gives that shiny finish.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted into the mix for buttery goodness.
  • Vanilla extract: Simple but essential for that warm, inviting flavor.
  • Chocolate (dark or milk): Melted and sandwiched between the cookies, this is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. It invites you to make it your own, which I think is the best part of baking.

  • Nut swap: I’ve tried hazelnuts instead of almonds, and it adds a lovely, different flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
  • Chocolate types: Using white chocolate for the filling makes for a sweeter, creamier sandwich that my kids adore.
  • Fruit zest: Adding lemon or lime zest instead of orange can brighten the cookies wonderfully.
  • Gluten-free option: A little almond flour in place of all-purpose flour works if you want to make this gluten-free.

How to Make Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Almonds and Oven

First, position the oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. To peel the almonds, boil them for just one minute—don’t skip this because it helps you easily rub off the skins, giving your cookies that beautiful pale tone and smooth texture inside. Once peeled, dry them well before finely chopping them in a food processor.

Step 2: Mix and Cook the Sweet Base

In a bowl, stir together your chopped almonds, flour, and dried orange peel if you’re using it. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring until it reaches a rolling boil and the sugar dissolves completely. Keep it simmering for one minute—it’s pretty quick, but this step caramelizes the mixture slightly for amazing flavor. Then, stir in vanilla extract and pour this hot liquid into your almond mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Once the dough cools down enough to handle (about 15 minutes), scoop out teaspoons and roll into small balls. Rolling them as round as possible is key because these cookies spread during baking into perfect lace rounds. If the dough feels crumbly, just warm it in your hands—a little heat softens it beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Space your dough balls about 6 inches apart on the baking sheet—these babies spread out to about 3 inches wide, so give them room to get their lacey shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. If any cookies stick together, separate them immediately with a sharp knife while still warm—they’ll harden quickly once cooled.

Step 5: Melt and Inject Chocolate

While the cookies cool on a rack, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 10-second bursts, stirring often to prevent burning. Spread melted chocolate on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich another cookie on top, pressing gently. This is when the magic happens—delicate almond lace meets rich chocolate filling. For a fancy touch, drizzle extra melted chocolate on top using a small zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe

  • Peeling almonds the quick way: Boil them no longer than a minute—it’s easy to overcook and soften them too much, which can change texture.
  • Work quickly when shaping: The dough can firm up as it cools; warming it slightly in your hand makes rolling much easier.
  • Spacing is everything: Giving ample room on your baking sheet prevents cookies from merging into one big cookie monster!
  • Chocolate melting consistency: Microwave little by little and stir often to avoid burning—burnt chocolate tastes bitter and won’t pipe nicely.

How to Serve Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a round, thin cookie with a bite taken out of it, showing a dark chocolate layer inside; the cookie has a light brown, crispy texture with dark chocolate drizzle on top in diagonal lines. Below, there is a white bowl filled with more of the same cookies, slightly blurred. In the background, a white cup of black coffee is seen on a white saucer, all set on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a glossy chocolate drizzle on top that sets like little thin ribbons—you get a pretty decorative finish without overpowering the cookie’s delicate texture. Sometimes, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate really punches up the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly well with a steaming cup of dark-roast coffee or a dessert wine like Moscato. For holiday spreads, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a light cheese plate to balance the sweetness and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like stacking a few sandwich cookies tied with a silk ribbon inside a clear box or cellophane bag. Another fun idea: layer them in a glass jar with thin layers of complementary nuts or edible gold flakes for a festive touch. They also make gorgeous edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftover cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate them to keep the chocolate crisp and fresh. They stay delicious for up to two weeks, which is perfect when you want a sweet treat without baking fresh every time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, wrap individual sandwich cookies in parchment or wax paper and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They reheat wonderfully from frozen, saving you time when unexpected guests show up.

Reheating

To enjoy right out of the fridge, I like to let cookies sit at room temp for a few minutes so the chocolate softens up slightly. If chilled too long, a quick 5-7 second zap in the microwave revives their lovely gooey texture without melting the chocolate messily.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pre-sliced or blanched almonds instead of peeling raw almonds?

    You can use sliced or blanched almonds, but peeling raw almonds yourself ensures a fresher, crispier texture and the classic lacy look of florentine cookies. Pre-sliced almonds may alter the cookie’s spread and texture slightly.

  2. What type of chocolate works best for the filling?

    Both dark and milk chocolate work wonderfully. Dark chocolate adds a nice contrast and slight bitterness which balances the cookie’s sweetness, while milk chocolate keeps it sweeter and creamier. I recommend using a good-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

  3. How do I prevent cookies from sticking together when baking?

    Space your dough balls at least 6 inches apart since they spread wide while baking. If any touch after baking, separate them immediately while still warm and soft with a sharp knife so they cool into individual cookies.

  4. Can I prepare these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

    Yes, you can substitute light agave syrup instead of corn syrup, and for gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free mix. Use dairy-free butter and chocolate to keep it vegan-friendly. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe turns out every time—crispy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet with that irresistible chocolate center. It’s one of those recipes I happily share with friends because I know it will wow them without complicated techniques or fancy tools. I hope you give it a try and enjoy baking and tasting these little treasures as much as I do. Once you do, you’ll see why they quickly become a go-to for gifts, parties, or simply treating yourself to a sweet moment at home.

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Chocolate-Injected Florentine Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 138 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Description

Delightfully crispy and delicate Florentine cookies made with finely chopped almonds, subtle orange zest, and a touch of vanilla, sandwiched together with rich melted chocolate. These classic lace cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea and offer a perfect balance of crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.


Ingredients

Almond Mixture

  • 1 cup (145 grams) raw almonds (see note)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons dried oranges (optional)

Syrup Mixture

  • ¾ cup (140 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or light agave syrup
  • 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Sandwich

  • 1 ¼ pounds (567 grams) dark or milk chocolate, cut into small chunks


Instructions

  1. Prepare oven and baking sheet: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 325°F (163°C). Line a large 17 x 12 inch (43 x 30 cm) baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Peel the almonds: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the raw almonds and boil for 1 minute only to avoid softening too much. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Spread almonds on a towel and rub to remove skins. Pat dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the dough.
  3. Chop the almonds: Place peeled almonds into a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped, ensuring small, even pieces for the lace texture of the cookies.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped almonds, all-purpose flour, and dried orange peel if using. Stir together to distribute evenly.
  5. Cook syrup mixture: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and mixture reaches a rolling boil. Allow to simmer for 1 minute to thicken slightly.
  6. Combine mixtures: Remove the syrup from heat and immediately pour it over the almond mixture. Add the vanilla extract and stir well until all ingredients are uniformly mixed. Let the dough cool for about 15 minutes until it is cool enough to handle comfortably.
  7. Form dough balls: Using a teaspoon measuring spoon, scoop out 1 teaspoon portions of dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball by hand; warming your hands slightly helps soften the dough if it feels crumbly. This step ensures the cookies spread evenly and form a pleasing round shape.
  8. Arrange on baking sheet: Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart, as they will spread to about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter during baking. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  9. Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies become golden brown. If any cookies spread into one another, separate them carefully using a sharp knife while still warm and soft, as they harden quickly once cooled.
  10. Cool cookies: Remove baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to set for about 2 minutes until no longer soft. Transfer cookies gently to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before adding chocolate.
  11. Melt the chocolate: Place chocolate chunks into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, taking care not to burn the chocolate.
  12. Assemble cookie sandwiches: Spread a layer of melted chocolate on the flat side of one cooled cookie. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere, being careful as the cookies are delicate. Repeat with all cookies.
  13. Optional chocolate drizzle: For decoration, put melted chocolate into a small zip-top bag and cut a tiny corner off to drizzle chocolate over the tops of the cookie sandwiches.
  14. Store cookies: Allow the chocolate to set completely. Store finished Florentine cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain crispness.

Notes

  • Florentine cookies are traditional lace cookies made with finely chopped almonds, flavored with orange zest and vanilla, then sandwiched with chocolate for a rich finish.
  • To peel almonds quickly, boiling briefly loosens skins without softening the nuts excessively, preserving their crunch.
  • If dough feels crumbly, warming your hands will soften it, allowing easier shaping of perfect round balls.
  • Spacing the dough balls properly ensures they bake into individual thin lace cookies rather than merging together.
  • Be careful when separating cookies that spread together while warm, as they harden quickly on cooling.
  • Using good-quality dark or milk chocolate improves the flavor and texture of the sandwiches.
  • Store cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container; this keeps them crisp and fresh for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 19 grams
  • Sodium: 19 milligrams
  • Fat: 11 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Cholesterol: 12 milligrams

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