Buttery Palets Bretons

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Palets Bretons are a true gem of French baking. These golden, buttery shortbread cookies originate from Brittany and are known for their rich, salty-sweet flavor and a tender, sandy texture that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a reminder of simple ingredients creating something deeply satisfying.

Their beautifully thick shape and signature crumbled top make them stand out on any dessert table or cookie tray. Whether you’re a lover of European-style baked goods or simply want a break from the usual chocolate chip cookies, Palets Bretons deliver elegance and flavor in a humble little disc.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Palets Bretons Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to pull off but tastes like something straight from a Parisian patisserie. The salty hit from the butter balances the sugar, giving you that crave-worthy flavor. They also keep well, so you can make a batch ahead and enjoy them over several days—perfect for guests or quiet moments with tea.

With no elaborate ingredients or special tools needed, you can whip these up with pantry basics and still impress.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Butter is everything in this cookie. For a true Breton flavor, opt for a high-quality European-style butter with a higher fat content and a hint of salt. If you can find cultured butter or butter from Brittany, that’s ideal—but even a good supermarket salted butter will give you delicious results. Just don’t skimp here—it’s the star of the show.

Ingredients for the Buttery Palets Bretons

You only need a few ingredients to make these cookies, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the texture and flavor.

Butter: This is the heart of the recipe. Use high-fat, salted butter for the richest flavor and signature crumbly texture.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure, giving the cookies their delicate crunch.

Egg Yolks: These give the dough richness and a velvety texture. Save the whites for another recipe.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies. It needs to be sifted for a lighter bite.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff slightly while baking, giving them their traditional thick shape.

Salt (if using unsalted butter): A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Buttery Palets Bretons

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step builds the base flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolks

Mix in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be silky.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Slowly mix this into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm it up for easy slicing.

Step 5: Shape and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick and use a round cutter. Place each cookie in a muffin tin cavity to keep the edges sharp while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops are golden. Let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Storing and Serving Palets Bretons

Palets Bretons are best enjoyed with a hot drink, and they make for a beautiful afternoon tea centerpiece. This recipe makes about 12 to 14 cookies, depending on how thick you roll them.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage—just bring them to room temperature before serving.

What to Serve With Buttery Palets Bretons?

Coffee or Espresso

The rich, buttery texture is perfect alongside a strong cup of coffee.

Earl Grey or Darjeeling Tea

These cookies shine with floral teas that complement their buttery notes.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve one or two Palets Bretons with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a quick dessert.

Fresh Berries

A simple bowl of strawberries or raspberries brings out the cookie’s sweetness.

Whipped Cream and Lemon Curd

Turn them into a plated dessert by topping with whipped cream and a spoonful of tart lemon curd.

Fruit Compote

Warm berry compote or apricot preserves pair nicely with their crumbly texture.

Cheese Platter

Add a savory twist by serving them with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Buttery Palets Bretons, you’ll enjoy exploring other unique and flavorful cookie creations too:

Try our Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy, tropical delight.

Need a classic with a creamy surprise? These Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a showstopper.

For buttery decadence, don’t miss our Butter Pecan Pound Cake.

Warm up with the cozy flavors of Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler.

For a dessert with some flair, our Ooey Gooey Bars never disappoint.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add citrus zest? Try a chocolate drizzle? I’d love to hear how you make them your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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