Our Best French Baked Goods

7. Almond Gâteau Breton 

This traditional butter cake from Brittany, in northwest France, is one of the simplest, most satisfying of the French cakes—it doesn’t require layers, frosting, or any special equipment.

8. Vanilla Madeleines with Cardamom Sugar 

These two-bite treats are simple to make and excellent with a strong cup of coffee in the morning.

9. Petit Beurre 

These simple cookies are rich and only slightly sweet. They are delightful on their own, straight from the oven, but a schmear of buttercream, ganache, or Nutella takes them to the next level.

10. Cheese and Rosemary Brioche 

We love this recipe for sandwich bread or an afternoon snack. Though the brioche recipe calls for a double-cream cheese, we especially love this with the ultra-rich and creamy Saint André triple-cream cow’s milk cheese—pure decadence.