As I explore the charm of the Brown Butter English Christmas Tree Biscuit, I can’t help but appreciate its unique blend of flavors and festive appeal. The rich nuttiness of brown butter makes each bite memorable. With a simple list of ingredients and a few easy steps, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings. So, what do you need to create this delightful treat? Let’s break down the recipe and uncover its secrets.
What kind of recipe is it?
The Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuit is a festive, buttery treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with a whimsical tree shape, perfect for holiday celebrations.
This recipe stands out with its flaky texture and delightful glaze, making it an enchanting addition to any Christmas spread.
Ideal for both baking enthusiasts and families looking to create magical memories in the kitchen, these biscuits are sure to impress guests and bring joy to the holiday season.
Preparation Time
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Moderate |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Number of Servings | 12 biscuits |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick), plus 2 tablespoons for browning |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Powdered sugar | for decoration (optional) |
| Green and red sprinkles | for decoration (optional) |
This table includes all the necessary ingredients with their specific quantities for making Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuits.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | Used to mix dry ingredients together. | Any large, deep bowl will suffice. |
| Medium Mixing Bowl | Ideal for combining wet ingredients and for mixing the dough. | Any medium-sized bowl can be used. |
| Dry Measuring Cups | For accurately measuring dry ingredients like flour and sugar. | Liquid measuring cups can be used, but ensure you don’t pack the dry ingredients. |
| Liquid Measuring Cups | Used for measuring liquid ingredients such as milk and melted butter. | A glass cup with measurement markings can work in place. |
| Measuring Spoons | For measuring small quantities of ingredients like baking powder and spices. | You can use any small spoon, just ensure consistency in measurements. |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | For creaming butter and sugar together, making mixing easier and more efficient. | A whisk can be used as a manual alternative; however, it will take more effort. |
| Rubber Spatula | Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients. | A wooden spatula or a spoon could work, though not as effective for scraping. |
| Wooden Spoon | Ideal for mixing dough and incorporating ingredients without damaging the bowl. | A silicone spoons can also be used as a substitute. |
| Baking Sheets (2-3) | Needed for placing the biscuits to bake in the oven. | You can use any flat, oven-safe tray if necessary. |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats | Lining baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. | Greasing the baking sheet with butter or oil works, but may not provide a non-stick surface. |
| Cookie Scoop or Spoon | Ideal for portioning out the biscuit dough for even sizes. | A tablespoon can be used to drop dough if a scoop isn’t available. |
| Cooling Rack | Allows biscuits to cool evenly and prevents sogginess from steam. | A wire rack from any other kitchen appliance (like a toaster) can work in a pinch. |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for baking. | Use an alternative method of checking doneness, like baking with a timer, but this is less reliable. |
This table details the essential kitchen equipment required for making Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuits, along with their purposes and budget-friendly alternatives.
Cooking Steps
- Mise en Place: Gather all ingredients including butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt, as well as all tools and equipment listed in the essential kitchen equipment section.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Position the oven rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 170 g (3/4 cup) of unsalted butter. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and a nutty aroma develops. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 100 g (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar and the browned butter. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to cream together for about 2-3 minutes until well blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg and 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 240 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 10 g (2 teaspoons) of baking powder, and 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) of salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together gently until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: While the dough chills, line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Portion the Dough: After chilling, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough into 25-30 g (1-2 tablespoon) balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) of space between each.
- Bake the Biscuits: Place the baking sheets on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. The biscuits should have a fragrant aroma.
- Cool on Rack: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the biscuits to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes on the sheets, then move to the rack to cool completely for an additional 15-20 minutes, ensuring even cooling and preventing sogginess.
- Serve or Store: Once completely cooled, serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy the buttery flavor and crisp texture!
Variations
- Cinnamon-Spiced Biscuits: Add 5 g (1 teaspoon) of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Brown Butter Biscuits: Fold in 150 g (1 cup) of chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a sweet, gooey twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free Biscuits: Replace unsalted butter with 170 g (3/4 cup) of coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Vegan Brown Butter Biscuits: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg with 30 g (2 tablespoons) of flaxseed meal mixed with 45 ml (3 tablespoons) of water.
- Maple Pecan Biscuits: Swap out half of the granulated sugar for 100 ml (1/3 cup) of pure maple syrup and mix in 100 g (1 cup) of chopped pecans for a nutty flavor profile.
- Peppermint Biscotti: Add 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking to create a festive holiday treat.
- Air Fryer Biscuits: Place the dough balls in an air fryer and cook at 160 °C (320 °F) for 8-10 minutes for a quicker, crispy version.
Tips on plating and presentation
How can you transform your Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuits into a stunning centerpiece?
Start by using simple yet effective plating techniques, like stacking the biscuits in varying heights on a decorative platter.
Add some sparkle with edible glitter or colorful sprinkles as decorative toppings.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can also create a snowy effect, enhancing your festive display.
What other dishes can I pair it with?
While enjoying your Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuits, you might want to consider pairing them with complementary dishes that enhance their warm, festive flavors.
Since they’re rich and nutty, I love serving them with a light vanilla panna cotta or spiced fruit compote.
These dessert pairings and festive accompaniments elevate the experience, creating a delightful balance that everyone will appreciate during the holiday season.
What drinks can I pair it with?
Pairing drinks with your Brown Butter Christmas Tree Biscuits can elevate your holiday gathering even further.
I love serving a rich Christmas Cocktail, like a spiced bourbon drink, to bring out the nutty flavors.
For a more subtle pairing, a warm cup of spiced chai tea complements the biscuits beautifully.
Both options create a cozy, festive atmosphere that enhances every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, I can definitely use gluten-free flour for this recipe. I’ve had success with gluten-free substitutes by blending flours to achieve the right texture, so feel free to experiment for delicious results!
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
I store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for a few days; just let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again. Don’t let them dry out!
Can I Freeze the Dough Before Baking?
Yes, I freeze the dough before baking! I shape it into logs, wrap it tightly, and then store. When I’m ready to bake, I let it thaw until it reaches the right dough consistency.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making These Biscuits?
When making these biscuits, I avoid overmixing the dough, as it toughens the texture. I also pay close attention to the baking time, ensuring they don’t underbake or burn for the perfect treat.
How Can I Enhance the Nutty Flavor Further?
To enhance the nutty flavor, I often add nutty extracts like hazelnut or almond. I also incorporate different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and depth in my recipes.