Breton Cookies Recipe – Classic French Butter Shortbread

These Breton Cookies are rich, buttery, and irresistibly tender. Also known as French butter cookies or Sablé Breton, this traditional recipe comes from the Brittany region of France and is famous for its delicate crumb and golden, crisp texture.

If you love melt-in-your-mouth treats, this Breton cookies recipe is a must-try for any home baker.

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⭐ What Are Breton Cookies?

Breton cookies are classic French shortbread-style cookies made with a high butter content and egg yolks, which give them their signature richness and slightly crumbly texture. They are thicker than typical shortbread and have a beautiful golden color thanks to an egg wash brushed on top before baking.

These buttery shortbread cookies are simple yet elegant — perfect with coffee or tea.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 3 egg yolks

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 additional egg yolk (for brushing)

Optional: vanilla extract or lemon zest for extra flavor.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Breton Cookies

1️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.

2️⃣ Add Egg Yolks

Mix in the egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

4️⃣ Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies keep their shape.

5️⃣ Shape & Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness and cut into rounds.

Place on a lined baking sheet, brush the tops with egg yolk, and lightly score a crisscross pattern with a fork.

Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These French butter shortbread cookies are perfect with:

✔ Coffee or espresso
✔ Afternoon tea
✔ Hot chocolate
✔ A scoop of vanilla ice cream

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💡 Tips for Perfect Breton Cookies

• Use high-quality butter for authentic flavor.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough.

• Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.