Description
French Butter Cookies, also known as Sablés Breton, are classic buttery shortbread cookies with a tender, crumbly texture and rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence, these cookies are easy to make and delightfully satisfying with their traditional crosshatch design and delicate golden edges.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the 2 large egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift in the 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir gently just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut rounds or desired shapes, then place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare and Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water. Brush this egg wash gently over each cookie’s surface, then score a crosshatch pattern lightly using a fork for a traditional finish.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps set the texture.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use European-style butter with higher fat content for a richer taste.
- Store these butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- They can be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
