Florentine Lace Cookies

One of our family traditions is to bake a large variety of cookies for Christmas. I will usually start Thanksgiving weekend and freeze the cookies. They are kept locked away in the freezer until Christmas Eve. I will usually make at least a dozen different cookies. As long as I’ve know my wife, her favorite cookie has been lace cookies. These thin, crunchy, and sweet cookies just melt in your mouth. If anyone gave us a box of Italian cookies she would go through the box and pull out the lace cookies.

These cookies are easy but you must follow the directions exactly. It’s also fun to watch them bake. They puff up like a regular cookie then at the last minute it looks like someone deflated them and they get their characteristic lacy flat appearance.

Makes 76 2” Cookies

1.5 C Brown Sugar (packed)

1.5 C Quaker Quick Oats

1 TBS Baking Powder

½ C Melted Butter (cooled)

1 Large Egg (beaten)

Preheat oven to 350°

These cookies will stick to a baking sheet. You must line the baking sheet with either parchment paper or a Silpat (Silicone baking sheet liner). You can reuse the parchment paper for the entire batch of cookies. 

Stir all ingredients together in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment—the batter will be very moist.

Drop by level ½ teaspoons on the lined cookie sheet. It’s critical that you use a measuring spoon to do this so that they are the same size. This helps you space the cookies and helps them cook evenly.  Make sure you have at least 1.5” between each cookie—they love to spread. Only place one cookie sheet in the oven at a time for even baking.

Place in a preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. When they start to cook they will spread out and puff up. During the last minute you will see them deflate. When the last cookie has deflated the cookies are done. You may have to adjust the time a bit depending on your oven – keep an eye on them.

Place the cookie sheet on a wire rack to cool. When the cookies are completely cooled, remove them to a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before storing them. 

To print a copy of this recipe go to Lace Cookies.