Galettes Bretonnes

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into classic French cookies with incredible flavor. The generous amount of butter creates a rich, melt-in-my-mouth texture, while the egg yolk gives each galette its beautiful golden color. I also like that these cookies store well, making them perfect for gifting or preparing in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Fine sea salt
• Egg yolk mixed with a little milk, for brushing

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. I cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. I mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. I wrap the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
7. I roll the dough to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick and cut out round cookies using a cookie cutter.
8. I place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
9. I brush the tops with the egg wash and use the back of a fork to gently create the traditional crisscross pattern.
10. I bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. I allow the galettes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a little lemon zest for a fresh citrus aroma.
• I enjoy replacing the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.
• I occasionally sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops before baking for extra crunch.
• I like adding a pinch of cinnamon to give the cookies a warm, spiced note.
• I sometimes dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for a more indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw them at room temperature before serving. If I want to refresh their crisp texture, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

What are Galettes Bretonnes?

Galettes Bretonnes are traditional French butter cookies from the Brittany region. I enjoy them for their rich buttery flavor, crumbly texture, and beautifully golden appearance.

Why should I chill the dough?

I chill the dough because it becomes easier to roll and cut, and the cookies hold their shape much better while baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. I often prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until I am ready to bake.

Can I freeze Galettes Bretonnes?

Yes. I freeze either the baked cookies or the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. I thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Why do these cookies have a crisscross pattern?

I create the traditional crisscross pattern with a fork because it gives Galettes Bretonnes their classic appearance while adding a decorative finish before baking.

Conclusion

I find Galettes Bretonnes to be a timeless French classic that is both simple and elegant. Their rich buttery flavor, crisp edges, and tender crumb make them perfect for enjoying with a hot drink or sharing with friends and family. Whenever I bake a batch, I appreciate how such simple ingredients come together to create a truly memorable homemade cookie.

Galettes Bretonnes

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Galettes Bretonnes are traditional French butter cookies with a rich, buttery flavor, crisp edges, and a tender, crumbly texture. These elegant cookies from Brittany are perfect for serving with coffee, tea, or as a delightful homemade treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Fine sea salt
• Egg yolk mixed with a little milk, for brushing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
8. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
9. Brush the tops with the egg wash and use the back of a fork to create the traditional crisscross pattern.
10. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different taste.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops before baking for extra crunch.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spiced variation.
• Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
• Refresh the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes to restore their crisp texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg