Cornuelles, also known as cornus or pines des Rameaux, are a dessert from Charente. According to stories and legends, it either dates back to the Middle Ages, during which time they were served at pagan festivals, or only to the early 20th century.
Cornuelles are flat biscuits of around 12 centimetres, in the shape of an isosceles triangle. There is a hole in the centre and the edges are crimped. Traditionally they are served fifteen days before and fifteen days after Palm Sunday. During the blessing, a sprig of box tree can be slipped through the middle. According to a regional legend, the Catholic church thus revisited a pagan fertility tradition.
The shortbread biscuit is brushed with egg yolk, to which a few aniseed seeds are added at all three corners. Today, more elaborate recipes can be found, and it's not uncommon to find cornuelles filled with whipped cream or mousseline cream.