Indulge in the delectable flavors of Flo Braker's Crisp Belgian Almond Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the essence of Belgian baking with the warmth of homemade goodness. These cookies, also known as "Florentines," are characterized by their delicate, lace-like appearance and a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. With a base of caramelized sugar and butter, each cookie is adorned with sliced almonds, creating an irresistible combination of crispy and chewy textures. As you bite into these cookies, you'll be greeted with a burst of almondy sweetness, perfectly balanced by the richness of the caramel. These cookies are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Discover the secrets behind these delectable treats with our collection of recipes, each offering unique variations to tantalize your taste buds and bring the essence of Belgian baking into your own kitchen.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
FLO BRAKER'S CRISP BELGIAN ALMOND COOKIES
This is one of my favorite cookies of all time. It may sound a bit lah-di-dah (the acual name of the cookie is pain d'amande) but in Belgium it's called almond bread. It's a very simple, good-tasting, crisp cookie, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, maybe even a glass of milk. The recipe came from Flo Braker's cookbook, Sweet...
Provided by Jane Hughes
Categories Cookies
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat with the sugar, cinnamon and water. Stir until the butter just melts but don't allow to boil. Most of the sugar should not be dissolved. (After I cut the butter into cubes, I let it get very soft so it melts quickly. That helps keep more of the sugar crystals intact.)
- 2. Remove from heat and stir in the flour, baking soda and almonds until well mixed.
- 3. Line a 9-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the dough into the pan so there are no holes and the top is smooth. Chill until firm. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or well-wrapped and frozen for up to two months.
- 4. To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 325° (160°C).
- 5. Using a very sharp strong knife, slice the dough crosswise, as thin as possible, into rectangles. If you can get them as thin as a coin, all the better. The thinner they are, the more delicate and crisp they'll be. (After I cut the dough, if I'm not going to bake all of the cookies at once, I wrap the slices well and either refrigerate or freeze them so I can bake as few or many as I want.)
- 6. Space the cookies on parchment lined baking sheets (do not use a silicone baking sheet) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies feel slightly firm and the undersides are golden brown. Flip the cookies over and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cookes are crisp and deep golden-brown on top. The baking times depend on how thin you cut the cookies. The slow baking develops the crispy texture and toasty flavor. Although the dough is pale in color, it becomes honey-colored and delicious when baked. (The sugar caramelizes during the long slow baking.)
- 7. Cool completely, then store airtight until ready to serve. The baked cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.
- 8. Note: Large-crystal golden sugar is available in specialty food stores, natural food stores, or online. Depending on where you live, C&H Hawaiian Washed Sugar is available in grocery stores. The raw sugar's light golden color and distinctly old-fashioned flavor, similar to that of turbinado-style sugar, gives this cookie its unique taste, texture and appearance.
- 9. These cookies aren't typically American, but the site doesn't allow for a European or Belgian option and it forced me to choose.
FLO BRAKER'S PAIN D'AMANDE COOKIES
As found and adapted on David Lebovitz's site from Flo Braker's book 'Sweet Miniatures' (and with further adaptations). He says that they should be super-crisp, so be sure to bake them on parchment paper since if you use a silicone mat, they won't get as crispy. And the other tip is not to let the sugar melt in the butter; the big crystals add a wonderful crunch to these delightfully-delicious cookies.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 40m
Yield 80-90 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat with the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and water. Stir until the butter just melts but don't allow to boil: most of the sugar should not be dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour, baking soda, and almonds until well mixed.
- Line a 9-inch (23cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the dough into the pan so the top is smooth. Chill until firm.
- To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 325º (160ºC.).
- Using a very sharp chef's knife, slice the dough crosswise, as thin as possible, into rectangles. If you can get them as thin as a coin, all the better. The thinner they are, the more delicate and crisp they'll be.
- Space the cookies on parchment lined baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies feel slightly firm and the undersides are golden brown. Flip the cookies over and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cookies are crisp and deep golden-brown on top. The baking times depend on how thin you cut the cookies.
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight bin until ready to serve.
- Storage: Once baked, the cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to three days. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or frozen for up to two months, if well-wrapped.
- Note: Large-crystal golden sugar, as shown, is available in specialty food stores, natural food stores.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 37, Fat 1.8, SaturatedFat 0.8, Cholesterol 3, Sodium 34.7, Carbohydrate 4.8, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 1.8, Protein 0.6
CRISP ALMOND COOKIES
I found this recipe in a magazine years ago and have shared it with family and friends many times since. These slightly sweet crisp cookies bring a flavorful ending to any meal.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 5 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar and fluffy. Beat in water and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets; flatten slightly with a fork. , Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter. This will help the cookies spread evenly and prevent them from being too dry.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop the dough onto the baking sheet. This will ensure that the cookies are all the same size and shape.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown around the edges. Overbaking will make the cookies dry.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and prevent them from breaking.
Conclusion:
Flo Braker's Crisp Belgian Almond Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a formal party. With their delicate almond flavor and crispy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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