Description
These French Butter Cookies, known as Sablés Breton, are tender, buttery, and delightfully crisp. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla, these classic cookies are perfect for any occasion, delivering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks followed by the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix gently until the dough just forms and comes together without overworking it.
- 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, which will make rolling easier and improve the texture of the cookies.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming for best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
- The dough disks can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare in advance.
- These cookies pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
