French Butter Cookies

Delicate, crumbly, and full of buttery richness, French Butter Cookies—also known as Sablés Bretons—are a timeless classic from the Brittany region of France. These cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients, yet they deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness with every bite. Perfect with coffee or tea, they’re ideal for holidays, gifting, or simply indulging in something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic French Flavor – Rich, buttery, and slightly salty for perfect balance.
Simple Ingredients – No fuss, just quality staples.
Crisp & Tender – The signature texture that crumbles beautifully in your mouth.
Versatile – Great for dipping in chocolate, sprinkling with sugar, or enjoying plain.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough stores well for fresh cookies anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks (plus 1 more for egg wash)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp fine sea salt

Optional Topping:

• 1 tbsp milk (to mix with the egg yolk for wash)
• Extra granulated or sanding sugar for sparkle

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Round cookie cutter (or fluted cutter)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add 2 egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter (2 to 2.5-inch size is ideal).
4. Place cookies 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake

1. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk.
2. Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash for a golden finish.
3. Optional: Sprinkle with sugar for sparkle.
4. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
5. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

1. Once fully cooled, store cookies in an airtight container.
2. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Tips for Perfect French Butter Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter – It’s the star ingredient, so choose a good one.
Chill the Dough – Keeps cookies from spreading and helps maintain shape.
Don’t Overwork – Mix until just combined to preserve tenderness.
Bake Until Just Golden – They should be pale with golden edges.
Store Properly – These cookies stay crisp in a tin for several days.

Serving Suggestions
With Afternoon Tea – A delightful companion to black or herbal teas.
As Holiday Gifts – Pack in boxes or tins with a ribbon for an elegant treat.
With Lemon Curd or Jam – A bright, tangy contrast to the buttery base.
Dipped in Chocolate – For an extra indulgent twist.
Paired with Ice Cream – Crumble over vanilla or caramel ice cream.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerate Dough: Store the raw dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze Dough: Wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: In layers with parchment in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to keep the balance just right.

2. Why are they called “sablés”?
“Sablé” means “sandy” in French, referring to their delicate, crumbly texture.

3. Can I use cookie stamps or embossing tools?
Absolutely! Just chill the cut cookies again before baking to preserve the pattern.

4. What if I don’t have a round cutter?
Use a knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles—it’s just as tasty.

5. Can I flavor the dough?
Yes! Add lemon zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a twist.

Final Thoughts
French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons) are a buttery delight with a delicate crumb and simple elegance. Whether you’re serving them for guests, gifting them during the holidays, or enjoying them quietly with a cup of tea, they always bring a little taste of France to your day.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your cookies turn out.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 14 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 50mg

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