French Butter Cookies : A Buttery Treat

If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, these French Butter Cookies (Sablés) are the perfect treat! With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, these classic French cookies have a rich, crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or as part of a cookie swap.

Whether you’re searching for an easy butter cookie recipe, a traditional French butter biscuit, or the best cookies for gifting, these delicate and delicious cookies will become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These French Butter Cookies

  • Rich & Buttery Flavor – Made with high-quality butter for the best taste.
  • Simple & Elegant – Only five basic ingredients needed!
  • Easy to Make – No fancy techniques, just mix, chill, and bake.
  • Versatile & Customizable – Add lemon zest, vanilla, or chocolate drizzle for variety.
  • Perfect for Gifting – Great for cookie swaps, holidays, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients for French Butter Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping, optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these French butter cookies, you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutter or knife

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make French Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.
  2. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

  1. Shape the dough into a log (for round cookies) or flatten into a disc (for cut-out cookies).
  2. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. If using a log shape, slice into ¼-inch rounds. If rolling out, use a cookie cutter.
  3. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional).
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

  1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  2. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert!

Expert Tips for the Best Butter Cookies

  • Use high-quality butter – It makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • Chill the dough – Prevents spreading and ensures perfectly shaped cookies.
  • Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking it can make the cookies tough.
  • Want a crispier cookie? – Roll the dough thinner before baking.
  • For an extra rich taste – Brush with an egg wash before baking.

Fun Variations of French Butter Cookies

  • Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies – Dip in melted dark or white chocolate.
  • Lemon Butter Cookies – Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
  • Almond Butter Cookies – Substitute almond extract for vanilla.
  • Jam-Filled Butter Cookies – Make a thumbprint in the center and fill with jam.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies – Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before baking.

How to Store & Keep Butter Cookies Fresh

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze the Dough: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

  • Serve with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • Stack in a decorative tin for gifting.
  • Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butter Cookies

  • Skipping the chilling step – Dough must be cold to hold its shape.
  • Using too much flour – Can make cookies dry instead of buttery.
  • Overbaking – These cookies should be lightly golden, not brown.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with French Butter Cookies

  • A glass of cold milk – A classic combination!
  • A side of fresh fruit – Complements the buttery richness.
  • Drizzled honey or caramel sauce – For an indulgent touch.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended, but if you’re in a rush, freeze the dough for 15 minutes instead.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or mini chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

These French Butter Cookies are a simple, elegant, and delicious treat that’s perfect for everyday snacking, special occasions, or a cookie swap. Whether you love classic butter cookies, cookies and candy, or bars cookies, this recipe is a must-try!

Try this butter cookie recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more delicious baking recipes!

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French Butter Cookies : A Buttery Treat

If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, these French Butter Cookies (Sablés) are the perfect treat!

  • Author: Lyndy kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 25
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Frensh

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.
  2. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

  1. Shape the dough into a log (for round cookies) or flatten into a disc (for cut-out cookies).
  2. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. If using a log shape, slice into ¼-inch rounds. If rolling out, use a cookie cutter.
  3. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional).
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

  1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  2. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert!

Notes

  • Use high-quality butter – It makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • Chill the dough – Prevents spreading and ensures perfectly shaped cookies.
  • Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking it can make the cookies tough.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g

Keywords: French Butter Cookies

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