Gather Your Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 80g unsalted butter, cold
- 1 egg yolk
- 30g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 20g dark chocolate, melted
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small chunks and add it to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 2: Shape the Broomsticks
Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a thin log, about 6 inches long. Use your fingers or a knife to create small grooves along the log, resembling the bristles of a broomstick. Repeat this process with the rest of the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Broomsticks
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the broomsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 4: Decorate the Broomsticks
Once the broomsticks are cooled, dip one end of each broomstick into the melted dark chocolate, creating the appearance of the broomstick handle. Place them on a wire rack to allow the chocolate to set completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle the broomsticks with a dusting of icing sugar for an added touch. Now your Befana broomsticks are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a cup of hot chocolate or as a delightful snack during the festive season.
Remember, Befana broomsticks are not only delicious but also a fun tradition to share with loved ones. So don your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade broomsticks this year!