There’s something so delightful about French butter cookies, or ‘sablés’ as they’re known in France. These little treats have been a favorite in French households for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With their rich buttery flavor and delicate, crumbly texture, they are simple yet utterly irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or when you’re craving something sweet without wanting to dive into a complex baking project.
French butter cookies are brilliant on their own but can be elevated by pairing them with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply alongside a plate of fresh fruit for a light, sweet dessert option. During the holidays, consider serving them as part of a dessert platter, adorned with nuts and chocolate pieces for a festive touch.

Ingredients
1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 grams) confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
Optional: 1/4 cup coarse sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
5. Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a disk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using cookie cutters, cut out your desired shapes and transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets. If using, sprinkle with coarse sugar or decorations.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye to avoid over-baking.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations & Tips
For a touch of flavor variety, add lemon zest, orange zest, or a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate or sandwich them with a layer of jam. If looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.