We’ve always adored the magic of holiday baking and Bredele tops our list as those charming spiced cookies from Alsace France. Originating from festive traditions these treats bring warmth and joy to winter celebrations with their buttery crunch and aromatic flavors.
In our kitchen we love sharing recipes that connect us to cultural roots so let’s dive into this simple Bredele recipe. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike offering a delightful way to spread holiday cheer.
Ingredients
To craft our authentic Bredele cookies – those beloved spiced treats from Alsace that embody holiday warmth and tradition – we start by gathering these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for precision.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure a light and airy texture
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened at room temperature for easy creaming
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for adding just the right sweetness to balance the spices
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature to help bind the dough smoothly
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for a rich, aromatic flavor
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to give our cookies a perfect rise
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, for enhancing the overall taste
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, the star spice that evokes festive vibes
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, freshly grated if possible for deeper flavor
- Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon, to add a hint of warmth without overpowering
- Chopped almonds: ½ cup, toasted for extra crunch (optional, but recommended for traditional authenticity)
These carefully selected ingredients ensure our Bredele recipe delivers that signature buttery crunch and aromatic spice profile, perfect for your holiday baking adventures.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Bredele recipe to life, we rely on a few key tools and equipment that ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking results. These essentials help us craft those buttery, aromatic cookies with ease, building on the ingredients we outlined earlier.
Essential Tools List
We recommend gathering the following items before starting. We’ve bolded the main tools for quick reference and italicized specific uses to highlight their importance:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients; one for sifting flour and spices, the other for creaming butter and sugar to achieve that signature fluffy texture.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A hand-held electric mixer for efficiency or a sturdy whisk if mixing by hand; essential for beating the butter and sugar until light and airy, ensuring our cookies have their characteristic crunch.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and spoons (for spices and extracts); accurate measurements are crucial to balance flavors in this traditional Bredele recipe.
- Baking Sheets: One or two rimmed sheets lined with parchment paper; prevents sticking and promotes even baking for batches of these festive spiced cookies.
- Cookie Cutters: Assorted shapes like stars or circles, ideally 2-3 inches in size; allows us to create visually appealing Bredele cookies that capture the holiday spirit.
- Rolling Pin: A standard wooden or silicone pin; used for rolling out dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cookies.
- Oven and Oven Thermometer: A conventional oven preheated to 350°F, with a thermometer for accuracy; ensures consistent baking temperatures to avoid over-browning our delicate treats.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack for post-bake cooling; helps maintain the cookies’ crispiness by allowing air circulation underneath.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Bredele baking experience both efficient and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, let’s guide you through crafting our authentic Bredele cookies with ease and precision. We ensure each step brings out the buttery crunch and aromatic spices that make these Alsatian treats a holiday favorite.
Prepare the Dough
To start, we combine the dry ingredients first for even mixing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves until the spices are evenly distributed and the mixture is fluffy.
Next, in a separate bowl, we cream the wet ingredients using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and airy, about 2-3 minutes—imagine the sweet, buttery aroma beginning to fill your kitchen. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Finally, we bring it all together by gradually adding the dry mixture to the wet one, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft, pliable dough forms. If using optional chopped almonds (about 1/2 cup), fold them in now for added crunch, ensuring the dough is uniform and ready for chilling.
Chill the Dough
Once the dough is prepared, we enhance its texture by chilling it to prevent spreading and intensify the flavors. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 2 hours, allowing the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to meld beautifully—think of this as the dough resting to develop its signature warm, festive taste. We recommend setting a timer to avoid over-chilling, as this step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Shape the Cookies
After chilling, we shape the dough into delightful forms that capture the essence of holiday baking. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, then roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness for the perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers.
Using cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars or hearts, cut out the cookies and transfer them to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, reroll scraps once for efficiency, yielding approximately 24-30 cookies depending on size—arrange them with at least 1 inch of space between each to allow for even baking and a golden-brown finish that evokes the joy of Alsatian traditions.
Bake the Bredele
With the cookies shaped, we bake them to golden perfection, transforming the dough into irresistibly fragrant treats. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the baking sheet on the middle rack for uniform heat distribution.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the tops feel firm—inhale the spicy, buttery scent that wafts through your kitchen, signaling holiday warmth. Remove the sheet promptly to avoid over-browning, and note that baking times may vary slightly by oven, so we suggest checking at the 10-minute mark for the best results.
Cool and Store
Right after baking, we cool the Bredele carefully to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess. Transfer the hot cookies from the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack using a spatula, allowing them to cool completely for about 10-15 minutes—the surface will firm up, revealing the full depth of their spiced flavor.
For storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If freezing, use freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature when ready, ensuring our Bredele cookies remain a delightful option for spontaneous holiday gatherings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Bredele baking experience even more seamless during the holiday rush, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach allows us to preserve the cookies’ signature buttery crunch and aromatic spices while saving time on busy days. Let’s break down the key make-ahead strategies step by step.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We can mix and chill the dough up to several days before baking, ensuring it develops deeper flavors from the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Mix the dough as directed: Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and spices) with the creamed wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract) until a smooth dough forms.
- Wrap and refrigerate: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This chilling process enhances texture and makes rolling easier.
- Freeze for longer storage: If we need more time, portion the dough into smaller disks, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Baking and Storing Cookies Ahead
Once baked, our Bredele cookies maintain their festive appeal when stored properly, staying fresh for holiday gatherings. Here’s how to handle them:
- Cool completely first: After baking, let the cookies cool on a rack to room temperature to prevent sogginess.
- Store at room temperature: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 1 week. This keeps their crisp texture intact.
- Freeze baked cookies: For extended freshness, arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their warmth and aroma.
To help us track storage options effectively, we’ve compiled the key details in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | Up to 3 days | Wrap tightly; thaw if needed before rolling. |
| Frozen Dough | Up to 3 months | Portion for easy use; thaw overnight in fridge. |
| Room Temperature Cookies | Up to 1 week | Use airtight container; add silica packets for humidity control. |
| Frozen Cookies | Up to 3 months | Freeze in single layers; reheat before serving for best taste. |
By following these make-ahead tips, we ensure our Bredele cookies remain a delightful, stress-free addition to any celebration.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into Bredele cookies and their holiday charm
These treats connect us to timeless traditions while adding a cozy touch to celebrations
Let’s get baking and create joyful moments that last all season long
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bredele cookies?
Bredele are traditional spiced cookies from Alsace, France, cherished during holiday celebrations for their buttery crunch and aromatic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They embody festive traditions, bringing warmth and joy to winter gatherings while connecting to cultural roots.
What ingredients are needed for Bredele cookies?
To make Bredele, you’ll need all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and optional chopped almonds. These ingredients create the cookies’ signature texture and flavor, perfect for holiday baking.
What tools are required to bake Bredele cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, cookie cutters, a rolling pin, an oven with a thermometer, and a cooling rack. These ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and proper baking for the best results.
How do I make Bredele cookies step by step?
Start by mixing dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then combine with dry mix to form dough. Chill for better texture, roll out, cut with festive shapes, and bake until golden brown. Cool on a rack to maintain crispness.
Can I prepare Bredele dough in advance?
Yes, prepare Bredele dough ahead by mixing and chilling it in the fridge for up to three days or freezing for up to three months. This makes holiday baking easier and helps flavors develop, allowing you to bake fresh cookies when needed.
How should I store Bredele cookies?
Store baked Bredele in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months to keep them fresh. For dough, chill for up to three days or freeze for three months. Proper storage maintains their crisp texture for holiday enjoyment.