French Shortbread Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious Treat

French shortbread, or Sablé Breton, is a classic buttery treat that beautifully balances a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness. Originating from the Brittany region of France, this cookie is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it an irresistible delight for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it at a holiday gathering, or simply craving a little homemade sweetness, this recipe brings the authentic charm of French baking right to your kitchen.

What makes French shortbread truly special is its simplicity — a handful of high-quality ingredients come together to create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and elegant. In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to ensure your shortbread turns out perfectly crisp on the edges and delightfully soft inside.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this timeless French classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French shortbread recipe is beloved because it delivers a rich, buttery flavor with a delicate texture that’s perfectly crumbly yet tender. Unlike other cookies, it’s not overly sweet, allowing the natural butteriness to shine.

It’s ideal for those who appreciate refined, subtle desserts without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Additionally, it requires minimal ingredients and equipment, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. The dough is easy to work with and keeps well, so you can prepare it ahead of time.

Plus, this shortbread pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or fruit preserves, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter (about 2 inches diameter)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for the cookie’s tender texture.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract (if using) until fully incorporated. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough.
3. Sift and add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortbread tender.
4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
5. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
6. Roll out and cut the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Decorate (optional): For a traditional look, gently prick the surface of each cookie with a fork or the back of a skewer to create small holes. This helps the shortbread bake evenly.
8. Bake: Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft interior.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter — it greatly impacts the flavor and texture of your shortbread.”

• Use browned butter: For a nutty depth of flavor, brown the butter before creaming it with sugar. Let it cool to room temperature first.
• Add citrus zest: Mix in lemon or orange zest with the sugar for a fresh, aromatic twist.
• Incorporate nuts: Fold in finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for a gluten-free version.
• Flavor variations: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even lavender to the dough for a unique spin.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

French shortbread is incredibly versatile. Serve these delicate cookies alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat.

They also pair beautifully with a dollop of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, for a sweet and tangy contrast. For a festive occasion, sandwich two cookies together with chocolate ganache or lemon curd for an irresistible bite.

Additionally, shortbread can be crumbled over ice cream or parfaits to add a buttery crunch. Don’t hesitate to experiment by dipping half the cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkling with sea salt for a gourmet finish.

Conclusion

This French shortbread recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a classic buttery cookie with a tender crumb. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll create a batch of cookies that taste like they came straight from a French patisserie.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Its subtle sweetness and rich texture make it a timeless treat that pairs beautifully with many desserts and beverages.

For more delightful recipes to complement your baking adventures, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, or Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “French Shortbread”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic French shortbread with a delicate buttery texture and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for tea time or as a simple, elegant treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “24 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “3/4 cup powdered sugar”, “2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup cornstarch”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F (165\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form dough into a ball, then roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut into desired shapes and place on baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle granulated sugar on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool on wire rack before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12g”}}