Buttery Palets Bretons

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Golden, tender, and irresistibly buttery, Palets Bretons are classic French shortbread cookies from Brittany that melt in your mouth. With their crumbly texture and rich flavor, they pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. These cookies have a rustic, sunburst design that invites you to pick one up and take a bite.

What sets Palets Bretons apart from regular shortbread is the inclusion of salted butter, which enhances the richness of the cookie and balances its sweetness. They’re traditionally thick and have a beautifully golden hue, thanks to egg yolks that deepen the color and add to the cookie’s luxurious feel.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Palets Bretons Recipe

These cookies are all about simple ingredients used brilliantly. You’ll love the balance of sweet and salty, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the hint of crunch on the edges. The recipe is also very forgiving and easy to follow, making it a great introduction to French baking.

Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy afternoon snack, or to impress guests, these cookies add an elegant European touch to any occasion.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use for Palets Bretons?

For the most authentic taste, opt for European-style salted butter. The higher butterfat content in European butter gives the cookies a richer flavor and smoother texture. French butters like Isigny Sainte-Mère or President are ideal, but any good-quality salted butter will work.

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Ingredients for the Buttery Palets Bretons

Using just a few key ingredients, Palets Bretons rely on quality over quantity. Each component plays a critical role in flavor and structure:

• Salted Butter: The hero of this cookie. Its salt content enhances the flavor, while the high fat content adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Egg Yolks: Provide a vibrant golden color and tender texture. They also help bind the dough.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty butter and help with caramelization.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a slight lift so the cookies aren’t too dense.

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How To Make the Buttery Palets Bretons

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the salted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is essential for aeration and gives the cookies their light texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolks

Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.

Step 4: Chill and Shape the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, roll out the dough to about 1.5 cm thick and use a round cookie cutter to shape. Place them in muffin tins to retain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool in the tins before removing.

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Serving and Storing Buttery Palets Bretons

Palets Bretons are best served at room temperature with coffee, tea, or as an after-dinner treat. Their rich flavor also makes them perfect alongside fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This recipe yields around 12 cookies, making it ideal for small gatherings or a week of indulgent snacking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to a month.

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What to Serve With Buttery Palets Bretons?

With Afternoon Tea

Serve alongside Earl Grey or Darjeeling for a sophisticated tea-time spread.

Paired With Fruit

Fresh berries or poached pears balance the buttery richness with tartness and freshness.

Drizzled with Chocolate

A drizzle of dark or white chocolate elevates the flavor and adds elegance.

With Whipped Cream

Stack a couple of cookies with whipped cream and berries for a quick dessert parfait.

Dipped in Espresso

Dip them halfway in a shot of espresso for a French twist on coffee-dunked cookies.

Crumbled on Yogurt

Crumble over Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts for a crunchy breakfast topper.

Next to Ice Cream

Serve as a crisp, buttery companion to vanilla, caramel, or strawberry ice cream.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed these buttery Palets Bretons, you’ll fall in love with these other cookie delights:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe – tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies – full of nostalgic, nutty flavor.
• Banana Bread Cookies – soft and naturally sweet.
• Magic Lemon Cobbler – if you’re in the mood for something fruity and buttery.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake – rich and indulgent with a cookie crust.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use French butter? Did you try adding a citrus zest or drizzle chocolate on top?

I love hearing how you personalize these recipes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake better every time.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and daily delights on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite treat!

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