Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies are a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds straight to the beautiful region of Brittany in France. These cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, and they make a wonderful addition to any dessert table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You will love the rich aroma of baking butter and sugar wafting through your kitchen. Plus, these cookies are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. They are a great way to impress friends and family or simply enjoy a sweet snack.

How to Make Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

Ingredients

• Beurre ramolli (softened butter)
• Jaunes d’œufs (egg yolks)
• Sucre (sugar)
• Fleur de sel (sea salt)
• Farine (flour)
• Levure (baking powder)

Directions

1. Work the softened butter (but not melted) until it is creamy. Reserve it.
2. Whip the egg yolks with the sugar for a few minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the cream-like butter into the egg-sugar mixture and whip again until smooth.
4. Add the sea salt, followed by the sifted flour and baking powder.
5. Mix with a spatula or a stand mixer (using the paddle attachment), just enough to get a smooth dough (don’t overwork it).
6. Shape the dough into a log about 6 cm in diameter or roll it out to a thickness of 1 cm.
7. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge (or freezer) for at least 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 170°C (static heat).
9. Cut the dough into slices about 1 cm thick or use a cookie cutter about 6 cm in diameter.
10. Place the cookies in pastry rings (or muffin/silicone molds) to keep their shape.
11. If the dough is soft, put it back in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes.
12. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are beautifully golden.
13. Let cool in the molds, then carefully unmold them and finish cooling on a rack.

How to Serve Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed plain, or you can serve them with a side of jam or chocolate sauce for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like tea or coffee, making them a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Store Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Chill the dough well to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Variation

Feel free to add zest from citrus fruits like lemon or orange to give your cookies a refreshing twist. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and color.

2. What if I don’t have sea salt?
You can use regular table salt, but use it sparingly as it can be stronger.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to bake the cookies.

Now you are all set to enjoy baking and tasting these Traditional Crispy Breton Cookies! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.