bredele

Known as Alsatian Schwowebredele, these Almond Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies belong to the long list of typical “bredele” cookies made over the holidays in Alsace, Eastern France. Made with ground almonds, a pinch of cinnamon and a generous amount of butter, these cut-outs are easy to make, deliciously sandy and taste just subtly spiced and nutty. A must-do recipe for your holiday cookie box!

Did you know that before getting into the Christmas spirit, the French from Alsace and Lorraine first get ready for the feast of St Nicholas Day, on December 6th? Just like in Germany and most Western Christian countries, St Nicholas Day is a big celebration in Alsace, with the inclusion of many baked cookies, known as bredeles. Last year, I shared with you two bredele recipes: the Speculoos and the Almond Pistachio Crescents. But the truth is, these Spritz (reminiscent of the German Spritzgebäck) are probably my favorites, and I …

These tiny Almond Pistachio Crescent Cookies are a twist on the traditional French vanillekipferl (or “croissants de lune” in French) , which are part of the bredele cookie spread served for St Nicholas Day, or Christmas, in Alsace. Usually flavoured with vanilla, this version packs on nutty flavours, with loads of ground almond, pistachio and a dash of almond extract.