Indulge in the delightful taste of French Butter Cookies, also known as Sablés Bretons. These cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. With a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, this classic French treat will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Pairing Suggestions: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. Their rich, buttery flavor complements both sweet and savory beverages.
Presentation: Serve the cookies on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar for a charming touch. For special occasions, consider arranging them on a tiered tray or in a gift box.
Serving Temperature: These cookies are delicious at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can enjoy them cold after storage.
Garnishing: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
In the Refrigerator: To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
Recrisping: If the cookies lose their crispiness during storage, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Let them cool completely before enjoying.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter for unsalted butter, but it’s important to omit the additional salt in the recipe if you do so. Salted butter will add extra salt to the cookies, which might alter the intended flavor.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or margarine. Ensure that the dairy-free product is suitable for baking. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough, such as chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough. Gently fold in your desired mix-ins after the dough has come together. Start with about 1/2 cup of mix-ins and adjust to taste.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
These Sablés Bretons are a perfect example of classic French simplicity and elegance. With their buttery texture and delicate flavor, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and experience a touch of French culinary tradition in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons)
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes( including chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that embodies the essence of French baking, look no further than these French Butter Cookies, also known as Sablés Bretons. These cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly crisp, making them an ideal accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle vanilla flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a variation, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 30 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
