Russian Snow Twigs are a delectable and crispy pastry that is popular in Russia and Ukraine. Often served during the Christmas season, these pastries feature a delicate dough that is shaped into thin branches and coated in a sweet powdered sugar glaze. With their unique appearance and delicious flavor, Russian Snow Twigs are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
RUSSIAN SNOW TWIGS
Our recipe was inspired by one for the fried Russian pastries known as khvorost (or twigs). Piled high on a serving platter and dusted with confectioners sugar, the cookies resemble winter branches freshly covered in snow.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Vegetarian Recipes
Yield Makes about 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk to combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in brandy and zests. Reduce speed to low; gradually add flour mixture. Beat just until dough comes together. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface, and knead until dough springs back slightly when pressed, about 2 minutes. Divide dough in half; wrap each in plastic. Let rest 1 hour at room temperature.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough into a rectangle less than 1/8 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut dough into strips of varying widths and lengths, 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and 5 to 6 inches long. For a branchlike effect, use a paring knife to split each strip about 1 inch from each end, if desired. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep dough from drying out. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Heat oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or pot until it registers 360 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Gently pull each dough strip to stretch it almost double in length before carefully dropping in oil. Fry about 4 strips at a time, turning occasionally with a mesh skimmer, until they are golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and repeat until all twigs are fried, carefully adjusting heat to maintain temperature as needed. Before serving, dust twigs generously with confectioners' sugar. Cookies are best eaten the same day they are fried (do not cover).
RUSSIAN TWIG COOKIES(KHVOROST)
When you sprinkle these cookies with powdered sugar, they look like small branches covered with snow! The dough needs to sit for at least 2 hours. Adapted from Saveur magazine.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Dessert
Time 45m
Yield 6-7 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Place the eggs and sugar into a medium mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until pale yellow, about 2 minutes.
- Add the butter and half of the flour mixture and beat until just mixed, then add remaining flour mixture and beat until dough begins to come together.
- Add the brandy and continue beating until dough forms completely.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Let the covered dough come almost to room temperature. Line 1 sheet pan with wax paper(or parchment) and another pan with paper towels; set both aside.
- Cut dough in half and re wrap 1 of the pieces in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
- Roll the uncovered dough out on a lightly floured board to 8"x12" rectangle about 1/8" thick. Cut dough into 3/4"x2 1/2" strips. Cut a 1" vertical slit down center of each strip. Twist 1 end of each strip and thread it through the slit, forming a loose loop. Set shaped dough strips on the wax paper lined pan as formed. Repeat the process with remaining dough.
- Pour oil into a heavy medium saucepan to a depth of 3" and heat over medium heat until temperature registers 375°F on a candy thermometer.
- Working in batches, fry cookies, turning them over halfway through cooking time, until pale golden brown on each side, about 1 minutes per side.
- Move cookies with a slotted spoon to the paper towel lined pan to let drain and cool completely.
- Serve the cookies on a serving plate liberally dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Fat 6, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 80.7, Sodium 108, Carbohydrate 56.7, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 24, Protein 6.5
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh butter, eggs, and flour to ensure the best flavor and texture for your snow twigs.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help the dough hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the snow twigs until they are golden brown: This will give them a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior.
- Dust the snow twigs with powdered sugar before serving: This will add a touch of sweetness and make them look even more festive.
- Experiment with different flavors: You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a more flavorful twist. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for a crunchy texture.
Conclusion:
Russian snow twigs are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their crispy exterior and soft and fluffy interior, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you are looking for a sweet and easy-to-make treat, give Russian snow twigs a try!
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