Bordeaux cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of French elegance to any dessert table. Originating from the Bordeaux region in France these cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor and delicate texture. They’re perfect for pairing with tea or coffee or simply enjoying on their own.
We love how simple ingredients come together to create such a sophisticated cookie. With a crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center Bordeaux cookies are sure to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Let’s dive into making these classic French cookies that will add a charming touch to your baking repertoire. Once you try them you’ll understand why Bordeaux cookies have remained a favorite for generations.
Ingredients
To create the authentic Bordeaux cookies with their signature delicate texture and buttery richness, we need a precise balance of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Below, we break down the essentials clearly for the cookie dough and the filling to ensure every bite is perfect.
For the Cookie Dough
We rely on classic baking staples to achieve the crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center of Bordeaux cookies. Use the freshest ingredients for the best results.
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour – sifted for a light texture
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for smooth mixing
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar – finely ground for delicate sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure for authentic flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to balance sweetness and enhance butter richness
For the Filling
The filling is what sets Bordeaux cookies apart, providing a luscious contrast to the buttery cookie. Here is what we need:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter – softened for easy blending
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar – to keep filling smooth and sweet
- 2 tablespoons rum or brandy – optional but traditional, adds depth and classic Bordeaux character
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – to enrich the filling’s flavor profile
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (315 g) | Provides structure |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (227 g) + ½ cup (120 g) | For dough richness and filling creaminess |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (120 g) + ¾ cup (90 g) | Adds delicate sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons total | Enhances flavor |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balances overall taste |
| Rum or brandy (optional) | 2 tablespoons | Adds traditional depth |
Remember: Using room temperature butter is key to creating the perfect Bordeaux cookie dough and filling consistency.
Equipment Needed
To create authentic Bordeaux cookies with their signature crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s a detailed list of tools we’ll need for an efficient and enjoyable baking process:
- Mixing Bowls
Use medium and large sizes for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
A mixer with paddle attachment helps cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency quickly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate ingredient measurement ensures consistency for delicate cookie dough and filling.
- Rubber Spatula
Useful for scraping down bowl sides to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Fine Mesh Sieve or Sifter
Sift the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps, creating a smooth dough.
- Rolling Pin
Roll the dough evenly to around 1/4 inch thickness for uniform cookies.
- Cookie Cutter (Round or Fluted)
We recommend a 2-inch round cutter to shape consistent cookies.
- Baking Sheets
Use heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheets to prevent warping and secure even baking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Line baking sheets to prevent sticking and help cookies bake evenly.
- Cooling Rack
Cool cookies completely after baking to maintain crisp texture.
- Small Offset Spatula or Butter Knife
Spread the filling smoothly and evenly between cookie layers.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients separately |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugar efficiently |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Measure ingredients precisely |
| Rubber Spatula | Scrape mixing bowl sides |
| Sifter | Remove lumps from flour and powdered sugar |
| Rolling Pin | Roll dough evenly |
| Cookie Cutter | Shape cookies uniformly |
| Baking Sheets | Bake cookies flat and evenly |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Prevent sticking and promote even baking |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies while maintaining texture |
| Offset Spatula/Butter Knife | Spread filling evenly |
By gathering these essential tools beforehand, we set ourselves up to recreate classic Bordeaux cookies with ease and precision. Every step from dough preparation to filling application flows seamlessly with this equipment at hand.
Prep Work
Before we dive into baking our Bordeaux Cookies, careful prep work will set us up for success. Let’s focus on crafting the perfect dough and filling by following precise steps to ensure ideal texture and flavor.
Preparing the Dough
- Soften the butter:
Bring unsalted butter to room temperature. It should be soft enough to indent easily but not melted. This gives our cookie dough a light, tender crumb.
- Sift dry ingredients:
Use a fine mesh sieve to sift together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. This aerates the flour and removes lumps for a smooth dough.
- Cream butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and pale. The texture should be light and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract:
Incorporate vanilla extract into the creamed butter to boost the aromatic profile essential to Bordeaux cookies.
- Combine dry ingredients:
Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or the mixer on low speed until it just forms a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough for easier handling and improves the cookie’s final texture.
Preparing the Filling
- Soften butter:
Just like the dough, ensure the unsalted butter for the filling is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Beat butter and sugar:
Using a hand or stand mixer, blend the butter and powdered sugar until creamy and uniform.
- Add flavoring:
Optional but traditional—add 1-2 teaspoons of rum or brandy for a rich, classic touch. This enhances the overall depth and complements the buttery dough.
- Adjust consistency:
If the filling feels too stiff add a few drops of milk or cream until it reaches a spreadable but firm consistency.
| Ingredient | Prep Detail | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter (Dough) | Room temperature, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Powdered Sugar (Dough) | Sifted | 3/4 cup |
| All-purpose Flour | Sifted | 2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | For aroma | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | Pinch | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (Filling) | Room temperature, softened | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Powdered Sugar (Filling) | 1 cup | |
| Rum or Brandy (Optional) | For flavor | 1-2 teaspoons |
Directions
Follow these precise steps to shape, bake, and assemble our Bordeaux Cookies for that iconic crisp exterior and luscious filling.
Shaping the Cookies
- Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the chilled dough onto it.
- Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use your cookie cutters to cut out uniform shapes—typically circles or classic Bordeaux shapes.
- Place the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- If desired, gently prick the center of each cookie with a fork for an authentic look.
- Refrigerate the shaped cookies on the baking sheets for 15 minutes to firm up before baking.
Pro Tip: Chilling after shaping helps maintain the cookies’ delicate structure during baking.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) before placing the cookies inside.
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Keep a close eye after 12 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack immediately to cool completely.
| Step | Temperature (°F/°C) | Time (minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 325°F / 163°C | — | Ensure oven is fully heated |
| Bake cookies | 325°F / 163°C | 12-15 | Watch for light golden edges |
| Cool on sheet | Room temperature | 5 | Before moving to cooling rack |
Assembling the Bordeaux Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, prepare the filling for spreading.
- Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, apply a generous layer of the creamy filling to the flat side of half the cookies.
- Gently press remaining cookies on top forming perfect sandwich cookies.
- Optionally, dust the assembled Bordeaux Cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Place finished cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the filling set for optimal texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To ensure our Bordeaux cookies remain fresh and flavorful, we recommend these make-ahead and storage strategies:
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Dough Chilling: After preparing the dough, chill it for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step enhances the flavor and texture by allowing the butter to firm up.
- Cutouts Storage: We can cut the dough into shapes and refrigerate the cutouts on the baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before baking. This prevents spreading and maintains sharp edges.
Baking in Batches
If we want to bake cookies for an event, baking them in batches and then assembling later is perfect. Bake the cookies, cool them completely, and store them separately from the filling until ready to assemble.
Storage Guidelines for Freshness
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 to 4 days | Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp |
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 weeks | Use airtight containers; allow cookies to return to room temp before serving |
| Freezing (Baked Cookies) | Up to 3 months | Freeze unfilled cookies individually on a tray, then transfer to a container |
| Freezing (Assembled Cookies) | Up to 1 month | Wrap each sandwich cookie tightly to preserve filling freshness |
Tips for Proper Storage
- Avoid Moisture: Always keep your Bordeaux cookies in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption that can soften the crisp exterior.
- Layering: When storing multiple layers of cookies, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking or smudging of the delicate buttercream filling.
- Bring to Room Temperature: For optimal texture and flavor, bring refrigerated or frozen cookies to room temperature before serving. This ensures the filling softens nicely and the cookie regains its melt-in-the-mouth quality.
“Bordeaux cookies deliver their signature texture and flavor best when carefully stored and properly rested before enjoying.”
Following these make-ahead and storage tips helps us maintain the classic crispness and buttery richness of every cookie, offering a delightful experience with each bite.
Conclusion
Bordeaux cookies bring a touch of French elegance to our baking repertoire with their rich flavor and delicate texture. Mastering this recipe lets us enjoy a timeless treat that’s both simple to make and impressive to share.
With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, we can create cookies that capture the perfect balance of crispness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
By following the tips on preparation and storage, we can keep our Bordeaux cookies fresh and flavorful for days, making every bite just as enjoyable as the first. Let’s get baking and savor the classic taste of this beloved French delicacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bordeaux cookies?
Bordeaux cookies are a classic French butter cookie known for their crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center. They feature a rich buttery flavor with a delicate texture, often sandwiching a sweet buttercream filling.
What ingredients do I need to make Bordeaux cookies?
Basic ingredients include all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt for the dough. The filling requires butter, powdered sugar, and optionally rum or brandy.
Can beginners make Bordeaux cookies easily?
Yes, the recipe is straightforward and suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers, with clear steps for mixing, shaping, baking, and assembling.
Why should I use room temperature butter?
Room temperature butter helps achieve the perfect dough consistency, ensuring easy mixing and a tender, flaky cookie texture.
What equipment is essential for baking these cookies?
Key tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, and baking sheets. Each helps ensure accurate preparation and baking.
How do I shape and bake Bordeaux cookies?
Roll the chilled dough evenly, cut into shapes, refrigerate before baking, then bake until lightly golden. After cooling, spread filling between two cookies to make sandwiches.
Can Bordeaux cookie dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be chilled for at least an hour or overnight. Cut dough shapes can also be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
How should I store Bordeaux cookies to keep them fresh?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, refrigerate for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage. Proper storage preserves their crispness and flavor.
What’s the best way to assemble Bordeaux cookies?
Spread the buttercream filling evenly on one cookie and sandwich with another. Chill the assembled cookies for at least an hour to set the filling before serving.
Do Bordeaux cookies contain alcohol?
Alcohol like rum or brandy is optional in the filling, added to enhance flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.