Christmas Cookies - Vanilla Biscuits - Sablés de Noël - Easy Recipe

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

Christmas Cookies - Vanilla Biscuits - Sablés de Noël: perfectly blend simplicity and elegance in baking. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavors of butter, vanilla, and citrus capture the magic of the holiday season.

These cookies combine authentic taste with creativity - whether decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles or dusted with powdered sugar, they are always festive and delightful. Baking them is also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together, turning the process into a cherished holiday tradition.

In my opinion, these cookies are not just a delicious treat but also a symbol of generosity and the Christmas spirit. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee and make wonderful gifts when beautifully wrapped. Easy to make and utterly irresistible, Christmas-shaped butter cookies are a must-have on any holiday table!

Christmas butter cookies are, for me, a symbol of joy and the beautiful moments spent with family. With their delicate texture and flavors of butter, vanilla, and citrus, they always bring a touch of magic to the holiday table.

I love making them with care, whether to give as gifts in festive packages, decorate the Christmas tree, or simply enjoy them with loved ones.

This recipe has become a tradition in our family, and year after year, we enjoy decorating them with colorful glazes and sharing in the preparations together. These cookies make Christmas warmer, more beautiful, and full of unforgettable memories.

What are Sable Cookies?

Sablé cookies are a classic French treat, known for their rich buttery flavor and crumbly texture. The name "sablé" comes from the French word for "sand," which perfectly describes the cookies' delicate, sandy consistency. Often referred to as Breton cookies, these cookies are a staple in French baking and are loved for their simplicity and melt-in-your-mouth quality.

While traditional Sablé cookies have a basic buttery flavor, you can easily customize them by adding zest of lemon or orange, or even almond flavor. Personally, I love adding orange zest for an extra burst of citrus, which enhances their delightful taste.

Are they easy to make?

Yes, Sablé cookies are very easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. The key to success is using high-quality ingredients (especially the butter) and following the correct baking temperatures and times.

How are they made?

Making Sablé cookies is simple and quick, requiring just a few basic ingredients:

Unsalted cold butter (for a tender texture)
Powdered sugar (for a smooth consistency)
Flour
Flavors such as vanilla, orange zest, or lemon zest

The dough for these cookies should be chilled for at least an hour. This allows the gluten to develop. If the dough becomes too crumbly or difficult to roll out, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it again for about 30 minutes.

How long does the dough last in the fridge?

The dough for Sablé cookies can last in the fridge for up to 2-3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the dough for up to 1-2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.

How to store the cookies?

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Sablé cookies for a longer time without compromising their taste and texture.

Cool the Cookies Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack after baking to prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container.
Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Room Temperature: Stored at room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.
Freezing: If you'd like to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them individually or in layers with parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

How to make French Sable Cookies

Using an electric mixer, or a wooden spoon, as in my case, cream the butter with powdered sugar and salt.

Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest and flour.

Divide the dough, make a thin disk, and wrap in baking paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 h.

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out with your favourite cookie cutters.

Place the cookies on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Bake at 280 C for 10-12 mins until lightly golden. Transfer them onto a cooling rack.

Festive Christmas-shaped butter cookies are more than just a dessert – they are a true delight for the soul and a beloved tradition during the winter holidays.

These tender cookies are perfect for gifting, decorating the holiday table, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea. If you want to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations, this recipe is the perfect choice!

@Feli Chic'Cuisine | Christmas Cookies - Vanilla Biscuits - Sablés de Noël: perfectly blend simplicity and elegance in baking. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavors of butter, vanilla, and citrus capture the magic of the holiday season.

Christmas Cookies - Vanilla Biscuits - Sablés de Noël - Easy Recipe

These cookies combine authentic taste with creativity - whether decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles or dusted with powdered sugar, they are always festive and delightful.

Makes: 20 cookies. Preparation Time: 10 min. Baking Time: 12 min Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

200g butter, at room temperature, cut into small cubes
140g powdered/icing sugar, sifted
1 pinch of salt
2 tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest (from a bio orange)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
400g flour, plain / all purpose, sifted

Method

Prepare the Cookies:

In a mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer, cream the butter, salt, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), orange zest, and mix thoroughly. Add the flour and mix until the dough just comes together.
Dust a work surface with flour, then scrape the dough out of the bowl. Pat the dough together, cut it in half, and shape each half into a flat disc. Wrap the discs in baking foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 5, or 350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch). Sprinkle flour both under and over the dough to prevent sticking.
Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters, ideally Christmas-themed, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Using the tip of a skewer, make a small hole at the top of a few cookies.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Transfer the cookies onto a cooling rack to cool.