Alsatian Butterbredele: Christophe Felder and Camille Lesecq’s recipe for successful Christmas cookies
In the depths of winter, the smell of butter and vanilla brings families together. Alsatian cakes bring simple, sure steps back to the table. Their secret lies in a precise method, dear to Christophe Felder and Camille Lesecq.
Butterbredele: tradition, know-how and fragrance season
The duo has created a crystal-clear version of butterbredele, the butter cookies of Advent. What’s more, the logic remains clear: supple dough, clean cut, brilliant gilding. Alsatian cakes are prepared without haste, with the dough resting in the refrigerator. Baking then adjusts to keep the heart shortbread and the edge golden.
Their approach values quality butter and regular flour. A brush and an egg yolk are all you need for gilding. Alsatian cakes can stand a touch of citrus or
To shape, use a cookie cutter on a floured surface. First, roll out thinly to ensure even baking. Then, space out the shapes on the baking sheet, as the dough relaxes with heat. Alsatian cakes gain in relief with gilding applied in two short passes.
“A good bredele tells a story of home, rhythm and patience.”
Key gestures for clean, melting butterbredele
Gathering the dough without overworking it remains decisive. In this way, the texture remains crumbly, without elasticity. Consequently, the dough is rolled out gently, turning it over to prevent sticking. Then place the tray in a cool place before baking, to preserve the edges.
The gilding must be fine to avoid cracking during baking. Baking at an even temperature stabilizes the coloring. Alsatian cakes should come out dry to the touch, but still tender to the core. In short, leave to cool on a wire rack to preserve the crispness of the edges.
- Cool the formed dough for clean cutting.
- Apply two thin, well-spaced coats of gilding.
- Cook on a cold baking sheet for clean contours.
- Dry on a grid to avoid condensation.
- Store in metal tins, separated by baking paper.
Useful references and resources by Felder & Lesecq
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Butterbredele (Alsatian Christmas butter cookies). Two phrases, to recall the spirit: simplicity, precision, sharing. Alsatian cakes read like a clear ritual.
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Ma Petite Chocolaterie. The book features 160 chocolate recipes, priced at €35.00.
This pair of pastry chefs work on a clear balance: softness, crispness, lightness. And their method delivers reproducible results at home. Alsatian cakes lend themselves well to this, as each step has a meaning. As a result, tradition becomes accessible without losing its memory.
Preparing the Christmas workshop at home
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Christmas cakes and bredele. The book announces 40 recipes and a benchmark price of €12.9.
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesescq – Cookies. A dedicated book, with several flavors to vary the cookie boxes.
Organization tips, cooking tricks and box ideas
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Les savoureuses viennoiseries des pâtissiers: 70 flaky and brioche recipes. Two lines are enough: precise methods, clear gestures.
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Gâteaux 150 small and large cakes to devour. A panorama with 150 recipes to vary your baking.
Anticipating the dough the day before frees your mind on the big day. Resting time harmonizes texture and flavor. Alsatian cakes benefit from being baked in small batches to better control color. Then, arrange by family: vanilla shortbread, iced shapes, chocolate pieces.
Finishing, conservation and sharing
Christophe Felder & Camille Lesecq – Ma petite biscuiterie. Two sentences to remind us of the idea: regular shapes and neat boxes.
A light sugar glaze can provide a brilliant contrast. A dash of jam adds a fruity touch, without masking the butter. Alsatian cakes can be stored for several days in tin, away from humidity. However, avoid the fridge, which softens the texture.
Why these cookies have stood the test of time
The strength of butterbredele lies in the repetition of the gesture. In this way, the hand becomes sure, and the delicacy remains clear. Alsatian cakes adapt to the tastes of the house, without betraying their base. Then, each one adds its own mark: a touch of zest, an inherited shape.
The Felder & Lesecq duo emphasize the clarity of the steps. What’s more, their precision ensures that there are no screw-ups, even in a family workshop. Alsatian cakes create a gentle rendezvous, from childhood to adulthood. As a result, they bring people together around the same hot plate.
The Advent season encourages these small, easy-to-gift formats. A plate of shortbread on the table warms the welcome. Alsatian cakes combine memory and efficiency, which is reassuring. In short, a well-baked cookie is often enough to start a conversation.
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