If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a cookie that perfectly balances rich, buttery goodness with a tender, crumbly texture, then this French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe is your dream come true. These iconic Breton cookies hail from the beautiful coast of Brittany, France, and are cherished for their simplicity and luscious flavor. Every bite melts delightfully, showcasing the magic of quality butter and the subtle touch of vanilla. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or to impress friends with a quintessential French treat, these cookies bring warmth and joy that’s too good to keep to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients come together to create a sophisticated flavor and irresistibly tender crumb. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: butter for richness, sugar for sweetness, egg yolks for tenderness, and a touch of vanilla for aroma. The all-purpose flour and salt provide balance and structure to make these cookies simply perfect.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter is the heart of the recipe, lending that lush, melt-in-your-mouth characteristic.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies develop a light golden crust.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Give richness and help bind the dough, resulting in a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, fragrant note that elevates the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure to hold the delicate crumb together without making it tough.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process incorporates air, which is essential for that tender cookie texture. Once creamy, beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, gently sift in the flour and salt gradually. Folding the flour in carefully helps to keep the dough from becoming tough, allowing it to just come together. The dough should feel soft and slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting period is essential—it firms up the butter and makes rolling out the dough much easier, preventing those delicate cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters in your favorite shapes or simply cut the dough into small squares or rounds. Transfer them gently onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until their edges turn a lovely, light golden color. It’s crucial not to overbake—these cookies are best enjoyed when tender and just barely crisp at the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them firm up without losing their buttery softness.
How to Serve French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies speak for themselves but feel free to dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. For a festive touch, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts to add texture and a hint of extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
French Butter Cookies are delightfully versatile alongside a variety of beverages. Pair them with your favorite afternoon tea, a robust espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine for a charming treat. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for a simple dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack a few cookies tied with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them in a pretty tin or jar to keep them fresh and visually appealing. You could also serve them as a delicate accompaniment on a dessert platter with macarons and petits fours for an elegant French-themed gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their crispness for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough disks after chilling, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll and cut as usual. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months without compromising their buttery texture.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven again, pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive their crisp edges and warm the butter flavors beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute salted butter in this French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe?
While salted butter can be used, it’s best to reduce or omit the added salt to balance the flavors properly. Unsalted butter gives you better control and lets the cookie’s natural richness shine.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps solidify the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also relaxes the gluten for a tender, crumbly texture.
Can I use a stand mixer for making the dough?
Absolutely! A stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and efficient, ensuring a smooth, well-incorporated dough for perfect results.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) remain fresh for up to one week, retaining their delicate texture and flavor.
Can I add flavor variations to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding lemon zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or even dipping them in chocolate after baking are popular ways to customize these classic cookies without losing their traditional charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe—it’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create an exceptional treat. Each cookie offers layers of buttery flavor and delicate texture that invite you to savor every crumb. Don’t hesitate to dive in and try this recipe yourself; it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire and an instant favorite among family and friends.
Print
French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These classic French Butter Cookies, known as Sablés Breton, are rich, buttery, and delightfully crumbly. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for tea time or gifting during holidays.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift the flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without overworking.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making rolling easier.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overwork the dough after adding flour to maintain tender, crumbly texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies crisp.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking.
