Buttery, Crumbly, and Unapologetically French

French salted butter cookies, known as Sablés Breton, are a timeless treat that embodies the essence of French baking. Inspired by recipes from Savoring Moments, Zero Waste Eats, and Martha Recipes, these cookies celebrate simplicity, quality ingredients, and heritage. With their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumbly texture, they are unapologetically indulgent yet elegantly understated. The secret lies in the use of high-fat salted butter, which lends a salty-sweet balance that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Unlike elaborate pastries, Sablés Breton prove that the finest desserts often come from the humblest ingredients. They are versatile enough to serve with coffee or tea, yet refined enough to grace holiday cookie boxes or dinner parties. Baking these cookies is not just about creating a treat—it’s about honoring tradition and savoring the beauty of French culinary craftsmanship.

What Are French Salted Butter Cookies?

French salted butter cookies, or Sablés Breton, originate from Brittany, a region in France renowned for its exceptional butter. These cookies are made with a simple blend of salted butter, flour, sugar, and egg yolks, resulting in a dough that bakes into tender, crumbly rounds. Their hallmark is a melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a rich, salty-sweet flavor that distinguishes them from ordinary sugar cookies. The high butter content ensures a luxurious taste, while the salt enhances depth and balance. Traditionally, they are baked pale with just a hint of golden edges, often pressed into molds or cut into rounds. Some versions are finished with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate, but the classic remains a celebration of pure, quality ingredients. Sablés Breton are a quintessential French biscuit—simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredient Overview

The foundation of Sablés Breton lies in salted butter, preferably French varieties such as Beurre de Baratte or Beurre d’Isigny. These butters, with at least 82% butterfat, provide unmatched richness and authenticity.

Flour is typically all-purpose or pastry flour, giving the cookies their delicate crumb.

Sugar—granulated or superfine—adds sweetness without overpowering the buttery flavor.

Egg yolks contribute richness, color, and structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while remaining tender.

Optional ingredients include vanilla extract for warmth, lemon zest for brightness, or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for garnish.

Tip: Always use European-style butter for the most authentic flavor and texture.

Together, these ingredients create a cookie that is both simple and luxurious, highlighting the beauty of French baking traditions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat salted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks: Mix in yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough: Wrap dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Shape cookies: Roll dough into ¼-inch thickness and cut into rounds, or press into molds for traditional shapes.
Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are just golden.
Cool: Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Optional garnish: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or drizzle with chocolate.

Tip: Avoid overbaking—cookies should remain pale with only a hint of golden brown at the edges.

This method ensures cookies that are buttery, crumbly, and authentically French.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Sablés Breton can be customized with subtle twists. Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for brightness. Dip cooled cookies in dark chocolate for a decadent finish. Mix in finely chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for texture, or experiment with herbs such as rosemary for a savory edge. These variations enhance the classic cookie while keeping its French charm intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve French salted butter cookies with tea, espresso, or dessert wine for a refined pairing. They’re perfect additions to holiday cookie boxes or thoughtful hostess gifts. For a plated dessert, pair them with fruit preserves or whipped cream, allowing the buttery richness to complement sweet or tangy accompaniments. Whether enjoyed alone or as part of a spread, Sablés Breton bring elegance and comfort to any occasion.