Description
British Brandy Snaps are delicate, crispy, golden lacy tubes made from a sweet buttery batter flavored with ginger and filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a hint of brandy. This classic British holiday treat is quick to make and perfect for elegant dessert presentations.
Ingredients
Scale
Brandy Snap Batter
- ¼ cup (55 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (53 grams) tightly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (90 grams) golden syrup
- ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Filling
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons granulated (caster) sugar
- 1 teaspoon brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Batter: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and golden syrup. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely without boiling; you will know it’s ready when no sugar crystals remain visible or grainy to the touch. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir the all-purpose flour and ground ginger into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the Snaps: Drop approximately 1 teaspoon of batter onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, forming circles about 3½ inches in diameter. Space them about 4 inches apart to allow spreading. Aim for 6 circles per sheet.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the snaps are golden and have a lacy appearance. Watch carefully as they can darken quickly.
- Shape the Tubes: Remove the snaps from the oven and allow to cool for about 1 minute until they are cool enough to handle but still pliable. Using a fish spatula, gently lift each snap and roll it around the handle of a wooden spoon (seam side down) to form tubes. Let them cool completely to set their shape.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Filling: In a bowl or stand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream with the granulated sugar and optional brandy until stiff peaks form.
- Fill the Snaps: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag and carefully fill each brandy snap tube with the cream just before serving for best texture and presentation.
Notes
- Crispy, golden, lacy tubes filled with sweetened whipped cream create a traditional British holiday treat.
- Brandy is optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Handle the snaps gently while warm to prevent cracking.
- Use a fish spatula for easy lifting and shaping of the delicate baked snaps.
- Fill the tubes just prior to serving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brandy snap
- Calories: 149
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Sodium: 13 milligrams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 37 milligrams
