Dominique Ansel, the renowned pastry chef famous for creating the Cronut, shares his recipe for Sablés Viennois, a classic French butter cookie. These simple, comforting cookies require only six ingredients and are perfect for holiday baking or a weekend treat. Ansel emphasizes the nostalgic significance of these cookies, stating they are among the first things he learned to bake and are a staple in French households. Featured in his cookbook, Life’s Sweetest Moments, this recipe offers a taste of traditional French baking.
Simple Ingredients for a Timeless Treat
The beauty of Sablés Viennois lies in their simplicity. With just six common ingredients, these cookies are accessible to bakers of all levels. The recipe calls for unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, egg whites, kosher salt, and pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. These readily available ingredients combine to create a delicate, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Ansel provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure baking success. First, preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Then, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the flour, followed by the egg whites, salt, and vanilla.
Once the dough is mixed, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a ⅜-inch star tip. Pipe the dough onto the baking sheets in round rosettes or swirls, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the cookies are lightly golden. Finally, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Tips for Perfect Sablés Viennois
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your Sablés Viennois. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. When piping, maintain consistent pressure to create uniform shapes. And remember to let the cookies cool completely before serving to allow their texture to set. Ansel suggests enjoying these cookies with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and a cup of hot chocolate for a truly indulgent experience. This classic recipe is not only a delicious treat but also an opportunity to share a piece of French baking tradition with family and friends.
A Taste of France in Every Bite
These delicate butter cookies offer a taste of France in every bite. Their simple elegance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a perfect accompaniment to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or any time of year, Sablés Viennois are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of French pastry. The recipe yields approximately 18 cookies, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. With an active preparation time of 20 minutes and a total time of 45 minutes, these cookies are a relatively quick and easy baking project.
