French Butter Cookies

Delicate, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, French Butter Cookies—also known as Sablés—are a timeless classic from the heart of Brittany, France. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are rich in buttery flavor and have a lightly crisp texture that makes them irresistible with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or anytime you crave a touch of elegance in your day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Yet Elegant – Only a few ingredients needed for bakery-level results.
Incredibly Buttery – Rich, smooth flavor in every bite.
Versatile – Can be piped, rolled, or stamped into different shapes.
Great for Gifting – Beautiful and keeps well, ideal for holiday tins or cookie boxes.
Crowd-Pleaser – Universally loved and pairs well with any beverage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Optional Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp milk (or water)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Melted chocolate (for dipping)
• Sea salt flakes (for a gourmet touch)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Sifter
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters or biscuit cutter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy—about 2–3 minutes.
Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two disks and wrap in plastic wrap.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
This helps firm the dough for easier rolling and better flavor.

Step 4: Roll & Cut the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use round or fluted cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
Place cookies about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)
For a golden finish, whisk together egg yolk and milk.
Brush the tops of the cookies lightly with the egg wash.
Sprinkle with granulated sugar for added crunch, if desired.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Do not overbake—they should remain pale with just a hint of color on the edges.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Cool & Serve
Once completely cool, serve plain or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a chic finish.
Enjoy with your favorite hot drink or as a sweet treat throughout the day.

Tips for Perfect French Butter Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter – The flavor really shines through, so don’t skimp.
Chill the Dough – Prevents spreading and keeps the cookies beautifully shaped.
Roll Evenly – Use rolling pin guides or a ruler for consistent thickness.
Don’t Overbake – Keep a close eye and remove just as edges turn golden.
Decorate Simply – A touch of sugar or chocolate is all you need.

Serving Suggestions
Afternoon Tea – Serve with a pot of Earl Grey or herbal tea.
Coffee Break – A luxurious upgrade to your morning cup.
Holiday Platters – Add to cookie trays for a touch of French flair.
Gift Boxes – Wrap in cellophane bags or tins for a beautiful homemade gift.
With Fresh Fruit – Pair with strawberries or raspberries for a light dessert.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: Store up to 10 days; bring to room temp before serving.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

Reheating:
No need to reheat! But if desired, warm slightly in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead or frozen for longer storage.

2. What flour should I use?
All-purpose flour works best for a crisp yet tender texture.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking.

4. Can I add flavors?
Absolutely! Add lemon zest, almond extract, or even lavender for a flavor twist.

Final Thoughts
French Butter Cookies are the definition of simple elegance. Buttery, crisp, and perfectly sweet, they’re a joy to bake and an even greater joy to eat. Whether you enjoy them as part of your afternoon ritual or gift them in festive tins, these cookies are a timeless treat everyone will love.

Bake a batch and let their rich, golden flavor transport you straight to a café in Paris. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your baking success with us!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 11g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 40mg

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