These festive checkerboard cookies (or Damiers, in French) are a delightful addition to any holiday table.
Their elegant design, created by alternating vanilla and chocolate dough, makes them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds.
With their tender, buttery texture and balanced flavours, Damiers are sure to charm family and friends during the Christmas season.
As a bonus, you can also use the same dough to make Chocolate Spirals, an equally delicious and visually stunning variation.
Both versions showcase the creativity and indulgence that define holiday baking traditions.
Checkerboard Cookies: the Recipe
I’ve personally tested this Damiers recipe, and the photos you see are my own—proof that these delightful cookies look as good as they taste!
Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 150 g (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 packet (about 2 tsp) vanilla sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 30 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well.
2. Add the softened butter and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, uniform dough.
Create the Colour Doughs:
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add the cocoa powder to one half and knead until fully incorporated to create a chocolate dough.
4. Shape each dough into two rolls of equal length and thickness. Press gently with your fingers to form square or rectangular shapes.
5. Stack the dough rolls alternately (vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, chocolate) to create a checkerboard effect. Use a little milk to help the layers adhere if needed.
Chill and Slice:
6. Wrap the assembled dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If the dough becomes too firm, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Slice the dough into cookies about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
Bake:
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
9. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
10. Bake for about 8 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overbaking.
Cool and Store:
11. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Store them in an airtight container to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Final Words about Checkerboard Cookies
Checkerboard Cookies or Damiers are a cherished part of holiday baking in Alsace, where they are often made alongside other traditional Christmas cookies like bredalas (or bredeles).
Their intricate checkerboard design and harmonious flavours of chocolate and vanilla make them a festive favourite.
Whether enjoyed with a warm drink or given as a thoughtful gift, Damiers bring a touch of elegance and joy to the season.
Stored properly, they stay fresh for weeks, making them a perfect treat for the Advent period.
A popular variation of the Damiers is the Chocolate Spirals, a chocolate-infused version of the Checkerboard Cookies.
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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