Indulge in the delightful taste of French baking with these classic French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton). With their rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture, these cookies are the perfect companion for your afternoon tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
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
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
With Beverages: These buttery French cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to an afternoon tea platter or as a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Presentation: Serve them on a decorative platter, stacked or arranged in neat rows for a classic and elegant look. Dust with powdered sugar for a more festive presentation during the holidays.
With Toppings: For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle them with coarse sugar or sea salt before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to preserve their crisp texture.
Freezing the Cookies: You can freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing the Dough: If you prefer to bake cookies in batches, freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, then proceed with rolling and baking.
Maintaining Freshness: Place a piece of bread or a sugar cube in the cookie container to help absorb moisture and keep the cookies fresher for longer.
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FAQs:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may slightly alter the taste of the cookies. If using salted butter, you can omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How can I make the cookies more festive for holidays or special occasions?
To add a festive touch, you can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter before baking. You might also dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle them with a flavored glaze for extra flair.
Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but this will give the cookies a denser texture and a nuttier flavor. For gluten-free options, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that this may affect the texture and crispiness.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too crisp.
Conclusion:
These Sablés Breton are a timeless treat that’s sure to impress with their buttery richness and delicate crumb. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and experience a taste of classic French patisserie in your own home!
📖 Recipe:
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French Butter Cookies (Sablés Breton)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic French Butter Cookies, or Sablés Breton, are a timeless treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture. These cookies are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee and are easy to make with simple ingredients. Enjoy these elegant, tender cookies that offer a taste of French patisserie at home.
Ingredients
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
- 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.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
For a festive touch, consider adding colored sugar or chocolate drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
