Butterbredalas (or Butterbredeles) are traditional Christmas butter cookies, cherished in Alsace for their delicate texture and rich buttery flavour.
These little delights are made with a fine shortbread dough, enriched with sugar, creamy butter, and, for a touch of freshness, a hint of lemon zest.
Their shapes vary depending on your creativity, as cookie cutters of all kinds can be used to make stars, hearts, trees, or angels.
Once baked, these cookies can be decorated in a variety of ways: with a golden egg wash, a tangy lemon glaze, or a smooth chocolate coating.
Perfect with tea or coffee during family gatherings, Butterbredalas symbolize warmth and togetherness during the holiday season.
Stored in a tin, they keep well and allow you to enjoy the flavours of Christmas for weeks.
Butterbredalas: the Recipe
I’ve personally tried this recipe, and the photos you see are my own—proof that these Butterbredelas turn out as beautiful as they are delicious!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 230 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 300 g (1 1/3 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (about 2 tsp) vanilla sugar
- 1/2 packet (about 1 tsp) baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for the lemon glaze variation)
For Decoration (after baking):
- For a golden finish: 2 egg yolks (applied before baking)
- For a lemon glaze: Juice of 1 lemon + powdered sugar
- For a chocolate glaze: 60 g (2 oz) dark chocolate + 10 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar together until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour and softened butter with your hands until the mixture resembles sand.
3. Add the egg mixture, baking powder, and (if using) lemon zest for the lemon glaze variation. Mix until the dough becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape the Cookies:
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (4 mm) thick.
7. Use cookie cutters to create shapes (stars, hearts, trees, or other festive designs) and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking and Decoration Options for Butterbredalas
I suggest three decoration options for the Christmas butter cookies:
Golden Finish (before baking):
- Brush the surface of the cookies with egg yolk using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until lightly golden.
Lemon Glaze (after baking):
- Mix fresh lemon juice with powdered sugar to create a thick glaze.
- Once the cookies have cooled, brush the glaze onto their surface. Allow the glaze to harden on a wire rack.
Chocolate Glaze (after baking):
- Melt the dark chocolate with the butter in a double boiler or microwave.
- Brush the chocolate onto the cooled cookies, and, if desired, add sprinkles or edible decorations. Allow the chocolate to set on a wire rack.
Cool and Store your Butterbredalas
Once decorated and completely cooled, store the Butterbredalas in an airtight tin. They stay fresh for weeks, allowing you to enjoy their buttery goodness throughout the holiday season.
Final Words about Butterbredalas
Nutty Kisses on Shortbread are a cherished treat in Alsace, where they are often baked and shared during the holiday season.
Their rich shortbread foundation and airy, nutty topping create a unique combination of textures and flavours, making them a standout addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
Whether served with tea or coffee or given as a festive gift, these cookies bring a touch of Alsatian charm and warmth to your holiday celebrations.
Stored properly, they stay fresh for weeks, allowing you to savour their delightful flavours throughout the Advent season.
Find out more!
Check out all our Christmas recipes on the blog!
Learn more about the traditions of Alsatian Christmas Cookies
Read it in French! More French Christmas traditions and celebrations
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