How to Make Brandy Snaps: A Crisp and Delicate Treat

Brandy snaps… the name itself evokes a sense of delicate elegance and irresistible crunch. These thin, crispy cookies, rolled into elegant tubes or spirals, are a classic treat that’s easier to make than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of these beauties to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure perfect brandy snaps every time.

Ingredients for Perfect Brandy Snaps

This recipe yields about 12-14 brandy snaps, depending on the size you prefer.

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (85 grams) golden syrup (light corn syrup can be substituted)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (feel free to experiment with rum or bourbon for a different flavor profile)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted

Optional for Garnish:

• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Chopped nuts for sprinkling

Tools You’ll Need:

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Heatproof gloves or tongs

Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Brandy Snaps:

1. Prepare your work area: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having your space ready ensures a smooth baking process.

2. Combine the wet ingredients: In your saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar, golden syrup, and brandy. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

3. Incorporate the flour: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the sifted flour until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

4. Portion and bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between each cookie as they will spread considerably. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are bubbly.

   Brandy snap batter being spooned onto a parchment lined baking sheet

5. Shape while hot: Working quickly and carefully (use heatproof gloves or tongs – the cookies will be very hot!), lift one cookie at a time from the baking sheet and drape it over a rolling pin or the handle of a wooden spoon to create the signature brandy snap curl. If the cookies become too firm to shape, simply pop them back in the oven for a few seconds to soften.

6. Cool and enjoy: Once shaped, transfer the brandy snaps to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
   A person carefully rolling a hot brandy snap cookie around a rolling pin

Tips for Brandy Snap Success:

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your brandy snaps in the oven, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly.
• Work quickly when shaping: Brandy snaps firm up fast as they cool. If you find your cookies are hardening too quickly, simply place them back in the warm oven for a few seconds to soften.
• Get creative with flavors: Brandy snaps are wonderfully versatile. Try adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor. You can also experiment with different extracts, like vanilla or almond.

Brandy Snaps FAQs:

• Can I make brandy snaps without alcohol? Absolutely! Simply replace the brandy with an equal amount of orange juice or water.
• How should I store my brandy snaps? Store your brandy snaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• My brandy snaps turned out chewy, not crispy. What went wrong? They were likely underbaked. Try baking them for a minute or two longer, keeping a close eye on their color.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple guide to making your own batch of delightful brandy snaps. These crispy, delicate treats are sure to impress your guests, and their versatility means you can customize them to your liking. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and experience the joy of baking these timeless cookies. Don’t forget to share your brandy snap creations and baking adventures with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!