Why just egg yolks and not whole eggs?

Egg yolks add richness and help create that delicate, crumbly texture. Whole eggs would make the dough too wet and firm.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute designed for baking. The texture may be a touch less sandy, but still very enjoyable.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn't required, but it does make rolling and cutting easier. It also helps the cookies hold their shape better.

How do I keep them crisp after baking?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid humid environments. If they soften, a quick reheat in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes will help.

French Butter Cookies – We Are Recipes

French Butter Cookies: Buttery and Easy to Bake

Recipe by Liliya

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Total Time30 minutes
Yield24 cookies 1x

These French butter cookies are crisp, buttery, and golden with a tender bite. A classic “sablé” cookie perfect for tea time, gifting, or packing to-go.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup + 5 tbsp salted butter, softened
3 egg yolks (2 for dough, 1 for glazing)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 1 minute).
Add 2 egg yolks and vanilla, mix until smooth. Scrape down the bowl.
Add flour and mix on low speed just until dough starts to form.
Lightly flour your work surface, turn dough out, and roll to ¼ inch thickness.
Cut cookies using a 2.25-inch round cutter. Transfer to baking sheet.
Use a fork to create a crosshatch pattern, then brush tops with remaining beaten yolk.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cookies are golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack and enjoy.

Notes

For flavor twists, try lemon zest, almond extract, or a dip in dark chocolate.
These cookies pack beautifully for work, school, or gifting.
Dough can be made ahead and chilled up to 48 hours or frozen.
For a crisp finish, store cookies with a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 115 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/french-butter-cookies/