Imagine a cookie so delicate, so irresistibly crisp, and so decadently chocolate-dipped that it could make even the most disciplined dessert lover weak in the knees! These Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies are not just a treat; they're a culinary love letter that will transform your Mother's Day celebration from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of caramelized almonds and silky milk chocolate, these cookies are about to become your new obsession – and your mom's absolute favorite surprise.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced almonds and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar begins to melt and coats the almonds, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.
- Once the sugar has melted and the almonds are well coated, add the unsalted butter and heavy cream to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the almond mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped cookies back on the wire rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Once the chocolate is set, your Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies are ready to serve! These make a delightful treat for Mother's Day or any special occasion.
Tips
- Watch the sugar carefully when caramelizing to prevent burning – medium heat is your best friend!
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cookie removal
- Space cookies generously on the baking sheet, as they will spread significantly
- For a professional look, use a small offset spatula when dipping cookies in chocolate
- If the chocolate starts to harden while dipping, gently reheat in 15-second microwave intervals
- Store cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture
- For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a light sprinkle of sea salt after chocolate dipping
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
