Description

French Butter Cookies, known in France as Sablés Bretons, are a classic treat that originates from the Brittany region. The word “sable” means “sand” in French, referring to the sandy texture of these delightful cookies. With a straightforward list of ingredients and a simple method, these cookies capture the essence of high-quality French baking—rich flavors, delicate textures, and an elegant finish.

Did you know that these cookies are often enjoyed during afternoon tea in France? They evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding many of warm summer afternoons spent with family and friends. Now, let’s get you started on making your own batch of these buttery delights!

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting recipe French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons), you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Be sure to take your butter out of the fridge ahead of time for easy creaming.)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
(You can also use sugar substitutes if you want to reduce calories, but it may affect the texture.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
(For a gluten-free option, try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.)
2 large egg yolks
(Eggs add richness; you could replace them with a flax egg for a vegan version, although the taste will vary slightly.)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.

Instructions

To prepare this comforting recipe French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons), you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Be sure to take your butter out of the fridge ahead of time for easy creaming.)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
(You can also use sugar substitutes if you want to reduce calories, but it may affect the texture.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
(For a gluten-free option, try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.)
2 large egg yolks
(Eggs add richness; you could replace them with a flax egg for a vegan version, although the taste will vary slightly.)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.

Notes

To ensure your French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons) turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:

Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of your cookies depends significantly on the butter you use. Opt for unsalted, high-quality butter for the best results.
Don’t Rush the Chilling: Giving the dough ample chilling time helps improve the flavor and texture of the cookies. If you’re short on time, try to chill for at least 30 minutes, though longer is better.
Keep it Cool: When rolling out and cutting the dough, if it begins to soften too much, pop it back in the fridge for a bit. This will make cutting the cookies much easier.