These Khrustiki cookies look like twigs covered in snow. You could shape the dough into menorah or dreidels. This year, they are perfect for both Chanukah and Christmas; because Chanukah begins in the evening on Christmas Day.
I did not create this recipe. My only change to the original recipe from the book Please To The Table by Anya von Bremzen and John Weichman, was to increase the brandy from one teaspoon to one tablespoon. Khrustiki Cookies are crisp, light, and fried. The dough is easy to work with and can be twisted into as many shapes as your fingers will allow. I made twigs and knots. With a bit more effort and finger dexterity, you could make dreidels and menorahs. Dusted in powdered sugar or dipped in melted apricot jam, these cookies are a festive way to end a holiday meal!
Homemade Applesauce or Baked Apples go very well with Khrustiki.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Khrustiki Cookies
By Published: December 23, 2014
Yield:
- about 60 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon brandy
- 1 teaspoon rum
- 2 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 cup Bitter Orange Marmalade/Apricot Jam - Melted optional
Equipment
- 1 electric food processor steel knife inserted
- deep skillet/electric fryer
Directions
- Place eggs, yolk, water, brandy and rum in bowl of processor. Pulse until beaten well.
- Add all remaining dry ingredients except for confectioner's sugar. Pulse on and off until dough starts to come together on the sides of the bowl. Scrape dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth. Divide dough ball in half.
- Sprinkle more flour on surface and roll out one ball 1/8th inch thick. Cut it into strips- 6 inches long by 3/4 inch wide.
- To shape twigs: Cut a slit 2-3 inches from one end of the dough and pull the other end through
To shape knots: Tie strip in a loose knots
Let your imagination and fingers create any shapes you choose!
- Heat oil in electric fryer or skillet until it reaches 375° F. (It's easier in an electric fryer) Drop no more than 12 pieces in oil at once. Fry them about three minutes or until golden brown. Turn them carefully if they don't flip themselves. Drain on paper towels and cool completely before sprinkling them liberally with confectioner's sugar. Enjoy!
