Alsatian Bredele – Traditional Christmas Cookies from Alsace
Bredele (or bredala) are small, buttery Christmas cookies from Alsace that appear everywhere during Advent: in bakeries, on Christmas market stalls, and in every home. If you are discovering France during the holiday season, these little biscuits are an essential part of the Alsatian Christmas experience.
What Are Bredele?
Bredele are traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies, usually shaped like stars, trees or hearts. Families bake them throughout December and offer them to neighbours and guests. Their simple taste and homemade charm make them one of the most beloved treats of the Alsace Christmas markets.
Alsatian Christmas cakes. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Ingredients for 30 Traditional Bredele
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1 whole egg
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4 egg yolks
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125 g soft butter
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125 g sugar
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250 g flour
How to Make Bredele
Prepare the dough
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Separate yolks and whites.
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Mix soft butter with sugar.
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Add the 4 egg yolks.
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Add the flour gradually until the dough forms.
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Wrap and let rest 2 hours at room temperature.
Shape the cookies
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Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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Roll the dough to 5 mm thickness.
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Beat the remaining whole egg.
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Cut shapes with cookie cutters.
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Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake
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Bake 8 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
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They are ready when lightly golden.
Star-shaped bredeles. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: MattLphotography via depositphotos
Optional Decoration
Dip them in melted chocolate (100 g chocolate + 20 g butter) or dust with powdered sugar — both popular in Alsace.
Tips from Alsace
Store in an airtight box. In the fridge, they stay soft for one week; at room temperature, they become slightly crisp, which many locals prefer.
Why You Should Try Bredele
Bredele taste like Christmas in Alsace: buttery, golden, nostalgic. If you’ve visited Strasbourg, Colmar or their magical Christmas markets, this recipe will bring that warm winter atmosphere back into your home.
Traditional Alsatian dolls / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by jacqueline macou from Pixabay
FAQ – Cooking bredele
What does “Bredele” mean?
It comes from the Alsatian word for “little Christmas biscuits”.
Are Bredele only from Alsace?
Mainly Alsace and Moselle, but similar cookies exist across the Rhine in Germany.
Do I need special cookie cutters?
They’re traditional, but a knife works too.
How long do they keep?
About one week in the fridge; longer at room temperature.
Are they eaten warm or cold?
Always cold — they firm up as they cool.
Do French families still bake them?
Yes, it’s a strong Christmas tradition.
