Brandy butter
Try this easy recipe for traditional brandy butter; perfect for slathering over mince pies or Christmas pudding.
Ingredients
- 125g/4oz unsalted butter, softened
- 125g/4oz icing sugar
- 2 tbsp boiling water (optional, see recipe tips)
- 2–3 tbsp brandy, to taste
Method
Using an electric whisk, cream together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
A tablespoon at a time, beat in the boiling water (if using) and brandy, beating between each addition until smooth, well combined and flavoured to your liking.
Chill until needed and serve with mince pies or Christmas pudding.
Recipe Tips
Adding hot water results in a milder brandy butter and helps soften the butter if yours wasn't quite soft enough to easily incorporate with the sugar (however, it is best to use well softened butter). If you like yours with a good kick of brandy leave out the water.
For extra flavour, add a little vanilla extract or orange zest after step 1.
You can use caster sugar instead of icing sugar, if you wish, but the texture won't be quite as smooth.