RUSSIAN SNOW TWIGS

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Russian Snow Twigs image

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

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large whole eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brandy or dark rum
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
10 cups neutral-tasting oil, such as safflower, for frying
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

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).

Kayiira Alvin
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I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, but these cookies were still really good. The nuts and the saltiness of the pretzels help to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate.


mikyas lulu
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These cookies are so good! I love the way the chocolate and pretzels work together.


Tanbir Boss
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I've made these cookies for years and they're always a hit. They're the perfect cookie for any occasion.


blair head
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These cookies are the perfect holiday gift. They're festive, delicious, and everyone loves them.


queen carroll
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I'm not a baker, but these cookies were so easy to make. They turned out perfect and they were delicious.


Arohi Islam
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These cookies are easy to make and they taste amazing. I highly recommend them!


Debra Faiza Faiza
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I've made these cookies several times now and they're always a hit. They're the perfect cookie for any occasion.


Md. Ferazul Islam
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These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. I love the way the chocolate and pretzels complement each other.


Joan Tutor
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I made these cookies for a bake sale and they were a huge hit. Everyone loved them!


Yasindu Jayan
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These cookies are so addictive! I can't stop eating them.


Saidurrohman
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I've never had Russian Snow Twigs before, but I'm glad I tried them. They're a unique and delicious cookie.


Jaden Mallory
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These cookies are the perfect holiday treat. They're festive, delicious, and easy to make.


Ronald Skaggs
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I was so excited to try these cookies, but I was disappointed. They were too dry and crumbly for my taste.


Nukwoagonza Adolf
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These cookies are amazing! They're so easy to make and they taste like they came from a bakery.


Sadat
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I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, but these cookies were still really good. The nuts and the saltiness of the pretzels help to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate.


saqib jatt
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These cookies were a bit too sweet for my taste, but my kids loved them. They're very easy to make, so I'll probably make them again and just reduce the amount of sugar.


Riyan Khan
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I tried making these cookies last night and they turned out great! My kids loved them.


Rasel Biswas2022
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These cookies are delicious! I love the combination of chocolate and nuts. They're also very easy to make, which is a bonus.


Prince Harry
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I've made these Russian Snow Twigs several times now and they're always a crowd-pleaser. They're the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the texture is amazing. I highly recommend them!


Deanna Georges
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These Russian Snow Twigs were a hit at my holiday party! They were so easy to make and everyone loved them.