Classic Egyptian Butter Cookies – Crispy, Light & Perfect for Eid!
Betefour (بيتي فور) is a delicious Egyptian and Middle Eastern butter cookie, known for its light texture and rich flavor. These delicate cookies are typically sandwiched with jam or chocolate and decorated with nuts, coconut, or sprinkles.
During Eid, Egyptian families bake large batches of Betefour and enjoy them with tea or Arabic coffee. The name "Petit Four" comes from French, meaning "small oven," as these cookies are baked in small batches at low temperatures.
🕑 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: About 40 cookies
🍪 Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, at room temperature)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate Betefour, optional)
For Filling & Decoration:
- ½ cup apricot or strawberry jam (for sandwiching)
- ½ cup melted chocolate (for dipping)
- Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles (for decorating)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
2️⃣ Add egg yolk and vanilla, mixing well.
3️⃣ Gradually add sifted flour, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
4️⃣ (Optional) Divide the dough in half and mix cocoa powder into one half for chocolate cookies.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
5️⃣ Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
6️⃣ Transfer dough into a piping bag with a star nozzle (or roll into small balls and flatten slightly).
7️⃣ Pipe small swirls, stars, or lines onto a lined baking tray.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
8️⃣ Bake for 10-12 minutes, until light golden (not brown).
9️⃣ Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
Step 4: Assemble & Decorate
🔟 Sandwich cookies with jam or chocolate.
1️⃣1️⃣ Dip one end in melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or coconut.
1️⃣2️⃣ Let the chocolate set before serving.
💡 Tips for Perfect Betefour
✅ Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
✅ Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it's too soft to pipe.
✅ Don’t overbake! The cookies should stay light in color.
✅ Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
🍽️ How to Serve Betefour?
- With tea, coffee, or hot chocolate ☕
- Arranged on an Eid dessert tray with Kahk and Ghorayba
- As a festive gift in a decorative tin 🎁
