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.
Table of Contents
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
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a log (for round cookies) or flatten into a disc (for cut-out cookies).
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using a log shape, slice into ¼-inch rounds. If rolling out, use a cookie cutter.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 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!
PrintFrench Butter Cookies : A Buttery Treat
If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, these French Butter Cookies (Sablés) are the perfect treat!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Frensh
Ingredients
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a log (for round cookies) or flatten into a disc (for cut-out cookies).
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using a log shape, slice into ¼-inch rounds. If rolling out, use a cookie cutter.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 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