Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these French Butter Cookies—also known as Sablés Breton—are a timeless classic. With their crisp edges, soft crumb, and rich flavor from real butter, they’re perfect with a cup of tea, for holiday cookie trays, or as elegant homemade gifts. Simple to make yet full of charm, these cookies bring a taste of France right to your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic French Flavor – Rich butter and vanilla in every bite.
Crisp & Tender – A satisfying snap with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Simple Ingredients – Just the essentials for a refined result.
Elegant for Any Occasion – Tea parties, gifting, or everyday indulgence.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
Optional Garnishes:
Extra egg yolk (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Sea salt flakes
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Hand or stand mixer
Whisk or spatula
Plastic wrap
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters or knife
Baking sheet with parchment paper
Pastry brush (if using egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt.
Mix just until the dough comes together—do not overwork.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
Cut into rounds or rectangles using a cookie cutter or sharp knife.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Step 5: Optional Egg Wash
For a golden finish, beat an egg yolk with 1 tsp water.
Brush the tops of the cookies and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect French Butter Cookies
Use High-Quality Butter – The butter is the star—choose a good one.
Don’t Overmix – For a tender crumb, stop mixing once the dough forms.
Chill Thoroughly – Cold dough is easier to cut and helps maintain shape.
Even Thickness – Roll evenly so all cookies bake at the same rate.
Customize – Add citrus zest, almond extract, or dip half in chocolate for variation.
Serving Suggestions
With Tea or Coffee – The perfect buttery pairing.
As a Dessert Tray – Add to a mix of shortbread, macarons, and chocolate.
Holiday Cookies – Dress up with a drizzle of glaze or festive sprinkles.
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use two cookies with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Gift Boxes – Pack in pretty tins or cellophane with ribbon.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate: Dough can be stored up to 3 days before baking.
Freezing:
Freeze Dough: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Layer between parchment in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
Let cookies come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use salted butter?
Yes—just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. - Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough may not have been chilled enough. Try refrigerating longer before baking. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly. - Do I have to use an egg yolk?
It enhances richness, but you can skip it for a slightly crumblier texture. - Can I make these slice-and-bake?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into a log before chilling, then slice and bake.
Final Thoughts
French Butter Cookies are a timeless indulgence with a rich, satisfying flavor and elegant simplicity. Whether enjoyed with a warm drink, shared as a gift, or savored straight from the oven, these cookies deliver the classic charm and delicate bite that makes French baking so beloved.
Try them once, and they’ll become your go-to for effortless elegance and buttery bliss.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: French / European
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 1 of 24):
Calories: 120 | Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 40mg
French Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these French Butter Cookies—also known as Sablés Breton—are a timeless classic. With their crisp edges, soft crumb, and rich flavor from real butter, they’re perfect with a cup of tea, for holiday cookie trays, or as elegant homemade gifts. Simple to make yet full of charm, these cookies bring a taste of France right to your kitchen.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest sweet and buttery treats you’ll love.
Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
Optional Garnishes:
Extra egg yolk (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Sea salt flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt.
Mix just until the dough comes together—do not overwork.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
Cut into rounds or rectangles using a cookie cutter or sharp knife.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Step 5: Optional Egg Wash
For a golden finish, beat an egg yolk with 1 tsp water.
Brush the tops of the cookies and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use High-Quality Butter – The butter is the star—choose a good one.
Don’t Overmix – For a tender crumb, stop mixing once the dough forms.
Chill Thoroughly – Cold dough is easier to cut and helps maintain shape.
Even Thickness – Roll evenly so all cookies bake at the same rate.
Customize – Add citrus zest, almond extract, or dip half in chocolate for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: French / European
