Pistachio Almond Florentines – Delicate Nutty Lace Cookies

Thank you for stopping by, friend! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: Pistachio Almond Florentines. These delicate lace cookies are crisp, buttery, and nutty with just the right balance of sweetness. They’re the kind of cookie that makes the whole house smell like a dream—reminding me of cozy afternoons baking with my nonna, when laughter and the scent of caramelized sugar filled the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels elegant but is surprisingly easy to make, this recipe is for you. And if you’d like more nostalgic and beautiful recipes delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list!

Overview of Recipe Content

Florentines are thin, lacy cookies made with nuts, caramel, and sometimes a touch of chocolate. My version combines the toasty goodness of sliced almonds with the subtle, earthy sweetness of pistachios.

• Why you’ll love it: They’re light, crisp, and perfect for tea time, gifting, or holiday cookie trays.
• Flavor & texture: Buttery caramel base, crunchy nuts, and delicate lace-like edges that practically melt in your mouth.
• Health perks: Naturally gluten-friendly (with the right flour substitution), packed with heart-healthy nuts.
• Seasonal fit: Ideal for the holidays, but honestly, they’re just as wonderful in spring with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

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• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Tools Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Baking sheet

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap pistachios with hazelnuts or pecans for variety.
• Drizzle or dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
• Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour.

How to Make Pistachio Almond Florentines

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1. Prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Melt butter, sugar, and cream. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla, salt, flour, almonds, and pistachios. The mixture will look glossy and nutty.
4. Scoop onto tray. Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tsp each) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving plenty of room for spreading.
5. Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and lace-like.
6. Cool. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring. They’ll firm up as they cool.

The result? Crisp, golden discs with a nutty caramel crunch.

What to Serve with Pistachio Almond Florentines

• A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• Vanilla gelato (Florentines make amazing ice cream sandwiches!)
• A sparkling dessert wine for a holiday table

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use parchment or silicone mats—these cookies spread a lot.
• Keep spoonfuls small, otherwise they’ll run into each other.
• Watch the oven closely; they go from golden to burnt quickly.
• Store in layers separated by parchment to avoid sticking.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: A quick 2 minutes at 300°F makes them crisp again.

General Information

Florentines are believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, though some food historians credit France. They’ve long been considered a luxurious cookie—elegant, delicate, and often served at tea parties or festive occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without heavy cream?
Yes! Substitute with whole milk, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.

2. Do they have to be thin?
Yes, the lace-like texture comes from spreading thin while baking.

3. Can I dip them in chocolate?
Absolutely—dark chocolate pairs beautifully with pistachios and almonds.

4. Can I use unsalted nuts?
Yes, but add a pinch more salt for balance.

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Conclusion

These Pistachio Almond Florentines are crisp, nutty, and irresistibly elegant. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie platter or just to enjoy with your evening tea, they’re sure to impress.

If you love pistachios, try my other nutty delights like Baklava Cheesecake or Pistachio Raspberry Cake.

Until next time, happy baking!

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your beautiful Florentines! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share a photo on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram.

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Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approx.)

Calories	Fat	Sat Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Fiber	Sodium
145	9g	4g	14g	10g	3g	1g	45mg

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