Introduction
Who doesn’t love cookies, right? Especially when they are buttery, soft, and melt right in your mouth! French Butter Cookies, also known as “Sablés,” are classic cookies from France. They are rich in flavor and have a crisp yet tender texture. These cookies are perfect with tea, coffee, or even as a sweet snack during the day.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or tools. Just a few basic items from your kitchen, and you’re all set to bake a batch of these delightful cookies. This recipe is super easy to follow—even if you’ve never baked before! Let’s get started on making these yummy treats!
Ingredients – French Butter Cookies
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks (save the whites for something else!)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
Step by Step Process – French Butter Cookies
Let’s break down the baking process into easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mix looks light and fluffy. This step is important because it gives the cookies their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Now, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mix. Stir everything until it’s well blended.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix slowly at first, so the flour doesn’t fly everywhere. Keep stirring until a smooth dough forms. It should not be sticky, but soft and easy to handle.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into a log shape and wrap it in plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- After chilling, cut the dough into slices about 1/4 inch thick. If you have cookie cutters, feel free to use fun shapes!
- Place the cookies on your baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake—they should be pale in color with slightly brown edges.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once they’re cool, enjoy them with your favorite drink or share with friends and family!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just skip the added salt in the recipe if you use salted butter.
2. How long do these cookies last?
They can last up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
3. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Sure! French Butter Cookies are great on their own, but you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even lemon zest for extra flavor.
4. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
No worries. You can skip it or replace it with almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a different taste.
5. Why did my cookies spread too much?
That usually happens when the butter is too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure to chill the dough before baking.
Final Thoughts
French Butter Cookies may sound fancy, but they’re really easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake cookies that taste like they came from a French bakery!
They’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and store them for later.
So why not give it a try? Once you taste these buttery delights, they’ll become one of your favorite cookie recipes! Happy Baking!
