Cake shaped like a yule log, or Bûche de Noël, is a French Christmas tradition that started as a pre-medieval pagan ritual of burning a log to symbolize the rebirth of the sun. Today, it’s a tasty way to celebrate the promise of sunnier winter days ahead. Thank you, French pastry chefs!
Here’s a simple version of the classic holiday cake: Bûche de Noël cookies. These pinwheel-style treats take a cue from the traditional cake, but they’re bite-sized. Chocolate ganache included, mais oui.