Bredele, the beloved Alsatian Christmas cookies, are a delightful blend of buttery richness and festive spices. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, these treats are surprisingly simple to make yet feel wonderfully indulgent. Their crisp edges and tender centers create a perfect balance, while hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest add a warm, aromatic touch. Chilling the dough for two hours ensures they hold their intricate shapes, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. In just 10 minutes of baking, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of holiday cheer.
These cookies are more than a recipe—they’re a tradition, perfect for gifting or savoring with loved ones. Their delicate texture melts in your mouth, while the subtle sweetness is complemented by a hint of spice or citrus. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, Bredele are a joyful way to celebrate the season. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday table. Let’s bring a taste of Alsace to your home this Christmas!
Ingredients for Bredele (Alsatian Christmas Cookies)
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) butter (softened, unsalted recommended)
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) superfine sugar (granulated sugar can be pulsed in a blender as a substitute)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 ⅔ cup (8 ⅓ oz/236g) all-purpose flour (sifted for smoother dough)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a mixer or medium bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and salt together until light and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, then fold in the flour until a dough forms (avoid overmixing).
- Press the dough into a flattened disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about ⅛ inch (4mm) thick and cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies 2 inches (5cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets and brush lightly with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cookies are pale golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar (if desired) before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Creative Variations to Spice Up Your Bredele
Add a twist to your Bredele by incorporating citrus zest (like lemon or orange) into the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor. For a nutty variation, mix in finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts. If you love spices, try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, festive touch.
Perfect Pairings for Your Christmas Cookies
Serve your Bredele with a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. For an elegant touch, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Bredele Fresh
Store your Bredele in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
To save time, prepare the dough a day in advance and let it chill overnight. Use multiple cookie cutters at once to speed up the shaping process. If you’re short on time, skip the egg wash and dust with powdered sugar right after baking for a similar festive look.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Bredele
Invest in a rolling pin with thickness guides to ensure your dough is evenly rolled to ⅛ inch. A silicone baking mat or parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. For precise shapes, use high-quality cookie cutters in festive designs like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
How To Make Bredele (Alsatian Christmas Cookies)
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- Egg wash
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a mixer or medium bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and salt together until light and creamy.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and then fold in the flour until a dough is formed.
- Press into a flattened disc and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours and up to two days.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about ⅛ inch (4mm) thick and cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies 2-inches (5cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets and brush lightly with the egg wash.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until pale golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool while you bake off the rest of the cookies.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
