Florentine Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sliced Almonds
• 1/4 cup Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1/4 cup Candied Orange Peel (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Candied Cherries (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries (finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
• 4 ounces Dark Chocolate (for coating (optional))
• 1 teaspoon Coconut Oil (for melting chocolate (optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, honey, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.

3. 3

   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.

4. 4

   Remove from heat and stir in the gluten-free flour, sliced almonds, candied orange peel, candied cherries, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. 5

   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.

6. 6

   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close watch, as they can burn easily.

7. 7

   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. 8

   If desired, melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave. Dip the bottom of each cookie in the melted chocolate and let set on parchment paper.

Recipe Variations

• →Try adding different herbs for variety.
• →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.