Italian Desserts > Italian Biscuits > Orange Flavored > Hazelnut Flavored

Orange and Hazelnut Florentine Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully combined.
6. Beat in the orange zest and orange juice.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
8. Fold in the hazelnuts, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
9. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Serving Size: Makes 24 biscuits

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Margarine or coconut oil
- Brown sugar: White sugar or coconut sugar
- Orange juice: Lemon juice or lime juice
- Hazelnuts: Almonds or walnuts
- White chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries: Dried cherries or raisins

Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Replace the white chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
- Replace the hazelnuts with pistachios.

Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
- For a crunchier texture, bake the biscuits for an extra few minutes.

Storage Instructions:
Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the biscuits in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the biscuits on a platter with a selection of other cookies.
- Arrange the biscuits on a cake stand and top with a few orange slices.

Garnishes:
- Drizzle the biscuits with melted white chocolate.
- Sprinkle the biscuits with chopped hazelnuts.

Pairings:
- Serve the biscuits with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Serve the biscuits with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the biscuits with a side of fresh fruit.
- Serve the biscuits with a side of yogurt.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the biscuits are too dry, add a few tablespoons of orange juice to the dough.
- If the biscuits are too crumbly, add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Keep all utensils and surfaces clean while preparing the dough.

Food History:
Florentine biscuits are believed to have originated in Florence, Italy during the Renaissance period. They were traditionally made with almonds, honey, and orange zest and served as a sweet treat.

Flavor Profiles:
The biscuits are sweet and nutty with a hint of orange.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the biscuits as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve the biscuits as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Taste: Citrusy, Nutty, Sweet, Crunchy