The holiday season in the United Kingdom offers a cornucopia of festive treats, and one classic that has been passed down through generations is the delicious Brandy Butter Tarts. These delightful tarts are a perfect addition to any Christmas gathering, with a rich buttery base and a luscious brandy-infused filling that’s sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe and add a touch of British charm to your holiday baking repertoire.
Title: Brandy Butter Tarts
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 egg yolk
– 2 tbsp cold water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing a muffin tin or placing paper liners in each cup.
2. In a food processor, blend together the flour, chilled butter cubes, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with cold water. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and pulse until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and use a round cutter to cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
5. Gently press the dough circles into the prepared muffin tin cups, ensuring they cover the bottom and sides evenly. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.
6. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Stir in the brandy and vanilla extract until well combined. If using nuts, fold them into the filling mixture.
8. Spoon the brandy butter filling into the prepared tart shells, filling each about three-quarters full.
9. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
10. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Brandy Butter Tarts are a delightful treat that encapsulates the warmth and indulgence of the holiday season. Serve them as an elegant dessert at your Christmas dinner or wrap them up as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. The rich, buttery pastry combined with the decadent brandy-infused filling is sure to make these tarts a festive favorite for years to come. Enjoy the comforting flavors of these British-inspired treats and create lasting memories with each delicious bite.
