Sablé Breton Cookies

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly baked cookie, especially when it’s a traditional French Sablé Breton. These buttery, tender cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delectable cookies at home.

Ingredients

• 3 Egg Yolks at room temperature
• 75 grams (3/4 cup) Icing Sugar
• 100 grams (7 tablespoons) Salted Butter, very soft
• 175 grams (1 cup + 1 1/2 tablespoons) Plain/All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 Egg Yolk for the Egg Wash (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Butter and Eggs:
   • Take the butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. Pre-cut it into small cubes. The butter should be very soft but not melted.
   • Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Keep the egg whites in the fridge for another recipe.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and icing sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale.
   • Add the very soft salted butter and mix until you get a thick, soft mixture.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift in the flour and baking powder. Combine using a stiff spatula or your hands until the dough is smooth.
4. Chilling the Dough:
   • Place the dough between two sheets of baking paper and roll it to about 6 mm thick. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
5. Preparing to Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
   • Remove the baking paper and cut out cookies with a round or fluted cutter. Transfer them to the baking tray.
6. Finishing Touches:
   • Optionally, create a cross pattern with a fork and brush each cookie with an egg yolk for a golden finish.
7. Baking:
   • Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes until they are golden. Allow them to cool on a rack and then store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Kcal: 150 per cookie
• Servings: 20 cookies

Tips for Perfect Sablé Breton Cookies

• Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This will ensure the right texture for your cookies.
• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
• Egg Yolk Wash: While optional, brushing the cookies with egg yolk gives them a beautiful golden finish.

Enjoy these traditional French cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and share the joy with friends and family. Happy baking!