French Butter Cookies

Delicate, buttery, and perfectly crisp, French Butter Cookies—also known as Sablés—are a timeless treat from the heart of Brittany, France. With their signature crumbly texture and rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, these cookies are incredibly simple yet elegant. Whether served with coffee, gifted in a tin, or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence, they always make a lasting impression.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Buttery Flavor – Made with quality butter for that classic French taste.
Crisp Yet Tender – The perfect crumbly texture that melts on the tongue.
Easy to Make – Minimal ingredients, no fancy equipment required.
Perfect for Gifting – Simple, elegant, and universally loved.
Versatile – Serve plain or dipped in chocolate for a festive twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ tsp almond extract for variation)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional for Decoration:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Melted dark or white chocolate (for dipping)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie cutters or piping bag with star tip
• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies
You have two options:

Slice-and-Bake Method:
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds before baking.

Piped Cookie Method (Traditional Parisian Style):
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe swirls or rosettes onto a lined baking sheet.
Chill the shaped dough in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help retain shape.

Step 4: Optional Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
For a golden finish, brush each cookie with a mixture of egg yolk and milk.
Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar if desired.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Do not overbake—the centers should remain pale and tender.

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy as-is or dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate and let set.

Tips for the Best French Butter Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter – It’s the star of the recipe, so go for the best you can find.
Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
Weigh Your Ingredients – For the most consistent results, use a kitchen scale.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined for a perfect crumbly texture.
Piping Tip – If using a piping bag, let the dough sit at room temp for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier handling.

Serving Suggestions
Tea Time – Pair with Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an elegant afternoon snack.
Holiday Platters – Include these alongside chocolate truffles or almond biscotti.
Gift Boxes – Stack in a tin with parchment for a beautiful homemade gift.
French Brunch – Serve with fruit, jam, and espresso for a Parisian-style treat.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

Freezing:

• Freeze Dough: Roll into logs or shape, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly more delicate.

3. How do I get perfect shapes?
Chill dough before baking and use cookie cutters or a piping bag for consistent shapes.

4. What’s the difference between Sablés and shortbread?
Sablés are French-style butter cookies with a finer crumb and often use egg yolks for richness, while traditional shortbread is typically made with butter, flour, and sugar only.

5. Can I flavor them differently?
Absolutely. Try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or dipping them in espresso-flavored glaze.

Final Thoughts
French Butter Cookies are a beautiful blend of elegance and simplicity. Their rich buttery taste and delicate crumb make them a favorite for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday gift boxes. Whether piped into classic swirls or sliced into rustic rounds, these cookies are sure to delight with every bite.

Give them a try, and don’t forget to leave a review or share your creation online. Bon appétit!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 60 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: French

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 60mg

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