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French Butter Cookies (Sablés Bretons)

Classic French butter cookies known for their rich, tender texture and delicate buttery flavor, perfect for tea time or gifting.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Additional granulated sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a dough.
  6. Divide the dough into three equal portions and roll each into a log about 1 ½ inches thick on plastic wrap.
  7. Wrap the logs tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  8. Remove one log from the refrigerator and roll it in granulated sugar to coat completely.
  9. Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Optionally, decorate each cookie with 4 small holes using a toothpick or create a crisscross pattern with a fork.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  12. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a small amount of almond extract along with vanilla. Rolling the dough logs in sugar before slicing gives the cookies a delightful crunchy exterior. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best texture.

  • Author: Sophie Lane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: Dessert/Cookie
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg