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–+ servings

Sable Bretons French Butter Cookies

Erin Rains
Before diving into the delicious details of Sable Bretons, let’s talk about what pairs beautifully with these delectable treats. You might want to grab a cup of rich coffee or a smooth cup of tea. These drinks complement the buttery flavor and provide a cozy vibe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 20
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  •  Oven, Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour with extra for dusting the surface
  • 1/2 cup + 5 tablespoons salted butter softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon fine granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon optional, for warm notes
  • 3 large egg yolks separated from whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a deeper flavor

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Clear a space on the countertop. Lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks

  • Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. This is where your cookie dough starts taking shape and gaining character.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually mix in the flour. If you opted for cardamom or cinnamon, sprinkle that in now too. You’re aiming for a soft dough, so do not overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  • Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps your cookies maintain their shape and enhances the butter flavor.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

  • While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

  • Once chilled, take the dough out. On your floured surface, roll it to about half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes.

Step 8: Bake

  • Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between them. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Now, it's time to dive in!

Notes

  • Real Butter Is Best: Using high-quality butter makes a world of difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Allowing the dough to chill leads to better texture.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or replacing lemon zest with orange zest for a different profile.
  • Keep Them Uniform: Use a ruler or a guide to ensure your cookies are even for consistent baking.
Add Some Extras: Chocolate chips or nuts can add an enjoyable crunch to your cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gSugar: 3g
Keyword Sable Bretons French Butter Cookies
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