Classic French Sables Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of all-purpose flour
125 grams of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and softened
75 grams of powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Granulated sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut the dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush the cookies with a little water and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - You'll need a medium-sized bowl for combining the flour and salt, and a larger bowl for creaming the butter and powdered sugar.
Whisk or electric mixer - Use a whisk or electric mixer to cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Plastic wrap - Wrap the dough in plastic wrap to chill it in the refrigerator.
Rolling pin - Roll out the dough to the desired thickness for cutting into shapes.
Cookie cutter - Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
Baking sheet - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Pastry brush - Lightly brush the cookies with water before sprinkling them with granulated sugar.
Wire rack - Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe variations

Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate sables.
Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added crunch.
Instead of lemon zest, use orange zest or lime zest for a citrus twist.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or other warm spices for a spiced variation.
Sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Experiment with different extracts or flavorings such as almond extract, coconut extract, or rum extract.
Dip half of each baked and cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Recipe overview

Get ready to bake some delicious Sables, a type of traditional French shortbread cookie. Sables are known for their delicate, crumbly texture, similar to sand (which is what 'sable' means in French). This recipe delivers cookies with a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of tangy lemon flavor. They're simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday, a casual get-together, or just an everyday treat. Expect to take about half an hour to prepare the dough, then while it chills you can take a break before rolling, cutting, and baking. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of baking cookies, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying your homemade Sables. Happy baking!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe. However, it is recommended to use unsalted butter and add salt separately to control the saltiness of the cookies.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour? - All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Substituting with other flours may alter the texture and taste of the cookies.
How long can I refrigerate the dough? - You can refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll out and shape.
Can I freeze the dough? - Yes, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Can I add other flavors to the dough? - Absolutely! This basic recipe can be customized by adding different flavors such as cocoa powder, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon. Just adjust the quantities to taste.
Can I decorate the cookies? - Yes, you can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or any other decorative elements after they have cooled completely.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - Use for combining ingredients and mixing the dough.
Electric mixer - Helpful for creaming the butter and powdered sugar together.
Plastic wrap - Use to wrap the dough before refrigerating.
Rolling pin - Needed for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie cutters - Use to cut the dough into various shapes.
Baking sheet - Needed to bake the cookies in the oven.
Parchment paper - Use to line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
Pastry brush - Useful for brushing water onto the cookies and applying a sprinkle of granulated sugar.
Wire rack - Use to cool the cookies evenly after baking.

Origin stories

The Sables, which means 'sands' in French, hails from the Normandy region of France, renowned for its rich dairy produce. These shortbread cookies derive their name from the crumbly and sandy texture they possess, a delightful characteristic courtesy of the high butter content. Notably, the Sables are also traditionally served during Christmas celebrations in France, becoming a staple part of the festive menu. In the town of Sablé-sur-Sarthe, where many claim this recipe originates, the Sables holds a special place in the heart of the locals not only as a culinary delight but as a symbol of their rich heritage and French culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.