French Butter Cookies Recipe: Rich, Buttery, and Perfectly Crisp
French Butter Cookies, also known as Sablés Bretons, are a classic treat hailing from the Brittany region of France. These cookies are prized for their incredibly buttery flavor, delicate crumb, and crisp texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. Simple in ingredients yet refined in taste, they’re a celebration of quality butter and careful baking. Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying as an afternoon snack, these cookies are timeless. They may look unassuming, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—French Butter Cookies offer elegance and richness in every golden bite.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
French Butter Cookies are all about the butter. High-quality, European-style butter gives them a rich flavor and smooth texture, while a touch of sea salt adds a subtle savory note that enhances the sweetness. These cookies are rustic yet refined, often decorated with fork marks or a crosshatch pattern before baking. Their crisp exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior make them stand out among other shortbread-style cookies.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 20–24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add the Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the salt and flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Do not overmix. The dough will be soft but should hold together well.
4. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape into logs or disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using log-shaped dough, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. For disk-shaped dough, roll out to ¼-inch thick and cut with a round cookie cutter.
6. Decorate and Bake
Place cookies on the prepared sheet. Whisk the egg yolk with water and brush over each cookie. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern or decorative lines. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variations
- Salted Caramel: Add a small dollop of salted caramel in the center before baking for a modern twist.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate and let set.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, fragrant note.
- Almond Flavor: Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork (for decoration)
- Wire rack for cooling
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
- Make Ahead: Chill the dough a day in advance for easy slice-and-bake cookies.
My Cooking Experience
As someone who loves simple, buttery desserts, French Butter Cookies are always in my baking rotation. I’ve tested them with different butters, and trust me—quality makes all the difference. They’re elegant enough to serve with espresso after dinner, yet easy enough for a cozy afternoon treat. I especially enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicate sweetness. It’s the kind of cookie that never goes out of style.
Conclusion
French Butter Cookies are the definition of simple elegance. With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you get a golden, crisp, and deeply satisfying cookie. Whether you keep them classic or add your own twist, these buttery treats are guaranteed to please. Serve them with tea, give them as gifts, or savor them one by one—they’re always a joy to bake and eat.
French Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Stir in the salt and flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Do not overmix. The dough will be soft but should hold together well.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into logs or disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using log-shaped dough, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. For disk-shaped dough, roll out to ¼-inch thick and cut with a round cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on the prepared sheet. Whisk the egg yolk with water and brush over each cookie. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern or decorative lines. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
- Make Ahead: Chill the dough a day in advance for easy slice-and-bake cookies.
