If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you must try these French Butter Cookies, also known as Sable Breton. These cookies, with their rich texture and delicate flavor, are the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging in something sweet at the end of the day. What makes these cookies so special is the use of high-quality butter, which gives them a rich flavor that’s both crispy and tender. Unlike typical cookies, the dough for these French Butter Cookies is carefully crafted to create a delicate crumb that simply melts away in your mouth.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make these classic cookies from scratch, using easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how simple they are to prepare, yet how impressive they look and taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these French Butter Cookies will soon become one of your go-to recipes. Plus, they make a great gift for friends and family, showcasing your baking skills while providing them with a delicious treat.
What Makes This French Butter Cookie (Sable Breton) Special?
1. Buttery Flavor: The most distinguishing feature of Sable Breton is its rich, buttery flavor. Using high-quality butter is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies unforgettable.
2. Simple, Yet Elegant: These cookies may look fancy, but they’re incredibly simple to make. They’re the perfect treat to add a touch of elegance to any occasion without requiring complicated techniques.
3. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding flavor variations like vanilla, lemon zest, or even a touch of almond extract to create a unique twist.
4. Perfect Texture: The dough is carefully mixed to ensure the cookies have a tender, crumbly texture that holds together without being too soft or too crisp.
5. Great for Gift Giving: These cookies are perfect for gifting. Their rustic yet refined look makes them an excellent homemade treat for friends and family.
Ingredient Notes
Understanding the key ingredients will help you make the best French Butter Cookies possible. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
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Butter: The star ingredient! Opt for unsalted butter to control the amount of salt. The butter should be at room temperature to help achieve the perfect dough texture.
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Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. It gives the cookies the perfect balance of softness and structure.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness without overwhelming the buttery flavor of the cookie.
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Egg Yolk: This helps bind the dough together and adds richness. You can substitute with an egg white if you prefer a lighter texture.
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Vanilla Extract: This adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the butter.
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Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Possible Substitutions:
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You can use almond flour to make these cookies gluten-free (though this will change the texture).
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Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
How To Make French Butter Cookies (Sable Breton)
Making these buttery cookies is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
2. Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is ready, shape it into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape when baking.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies into rounds or any other shape you prefer.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tip: Make sure not to overwork the dough. This ensures the cookies stay delicate and tender, rather than tough.
Storage Options
These French Butter Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. Just roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. To bake, slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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Reheating: Simply warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are a few fun twists on this classic recipe:
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Chocolate Chip Sable Breton: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent touch.
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Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest for a zesty, refreshing flavor.
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Almond Sable Breton: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped almonds into the dough for a delightful crunch.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
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Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them.
3. How can I make the dough less sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, chill it for a bit longer. If it’s still too wet, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
4. How can I store these cookies for the longest freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
5. What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
No worries! You can simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or your hands for a rustic look.
Conclusion
These French Butter Cookies (Sable Breton) are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their rich buttery flavor and delicate texture, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. Easy to make yet elegant, they’re a great way to enjoy the authentic taste of French baking right at home. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll definitely be asking for the recipe!
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French Butter Cookies (Sable Breton) | A Classic Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg yolk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Cream together butter and sugar.
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Add egg yolk and vanilla, then mix until combined.
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Slowly add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
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Chill dough for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll dough and cut into shapes.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
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Cool and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g