Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, French butter cookies, or “Sablés,” are a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies are simple yet sophisticated, making them an excellent companion to a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for gifting, serving at gatherings, or enjoying as a solo indulgence.
- Classic Flavor: The rich, buttery taste paired with a subtle hint of vanilla is irresistible.
- Elegant Presentation: Their golden edges and crumbly texture give them a bakery-worthy appearance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Optional: Egg yolk for a shiny glaze
Directions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush with egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20-24 cookies, depending on size.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for chilling).
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
- Herbal Infusion: Incorporate a touch of lavender or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or baking.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently warmed in a low oven for a few minutes if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
2. How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking helps maintain their shape.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
4. What’s the best way to achieve uniform cookie thickness?
Use a ruler or a rolling pin with thickness guides for even slicing.
5. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely! A pinch of warm spices can add a delightful twist.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; the centers may still appear pale.
7. Can I substitute vanilla extract with something else?
Almond or coconut extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
8. Why are my cookies crumbly?
Overmixing or insufficient chilling can lead to crumbly cookies.
9. What’s the purpose of the egg yolk glaze?
It gives the cookies a shiny, golden finish, enhancing their visual appeal.
10. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance or frozen for later use.
Conclusion
French butter cookies are a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture make them a must-try for any cookie enthusiast. Whether you serve them as a tea-time treat or a sweet ending to a meal, these cookies are sure to delight. Give this recipe a try and bring a touch of French elegance to your table!
PrintFrench Butter Cookies
French Butter Cookies, also known as Sablés Breton, are classic buttery cookies from Brittany, France. These cookies are crisp, tender, and rich with a subtle sweetness, making them perfect for tea time or as an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- (Optional) Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can flavor the dough with lemon zest, orange zest, or a pinch of cinnamon for a twist.