Les sablés are delightful holiday cookies that bring joy to any festive occasion. Their charming shapes and vibrant decorations make them perfect for sharing with family and friends. The soft, buttery texture, combined with sweet flavors and colorful designs, ensures these cookies are a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a baking session with kids, Les sablés fit the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Fun for Kids: Decorating these cookies is a fun activity that engages children in the kitchen.
- Versatile Designs: You can use various shapes and colors, making each batch unique.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and lemon juice adds a wonderful holiday flavor.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies can be beautifully packaged for holiday gifts.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this fun baking adventure, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and enhance your overall experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie cutters
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to your desired thickness.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of cookies post-bake.

Ingredients
For the Dough
- 75 g de beurre
- 450 g de sucre glace
- 2 œufs
- 235 g de farine
- 1 c. à c. de cannelle
- 1 c. à c. de jus de citron
For Decoration
- 50 g de chocolat noir
- 2 smarties ® rouges
- Colorants alimentaire
- Perles de sucre
- 2 sucres d’orge
How to Make Les sablés
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 egg with 75 g of softened butter and 450 g of icing sugar.
- Gradually add 235 g of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Knead until you achieve a smooth dough consistency.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle.
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes like gingerbread men and Christmas trees.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For added creativity, form two small tubes from aluminum foil to create arms on some gingerbread men.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare Decorations
- In another bowl, mix one egg white with 150 g of icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Divide this icing mix into three parts; color one green and another red using food coloring.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave for about 30 seconds until smooth.
Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies
- Create piping bags using parchment paper cones for icing applications.
- Use colored icing to decorate the shapes—draw faces on gingerbread men or color Christmas trees green with chocolate trunks.
- Add sugar pearls or Smarties® as fun decorative accents.
These delightful Les sablés will not only brighten up your holiday season but also create lasting memories with loved ones as you savor each delicious bite!
How to Serve Les sablés Les sablés are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family evenings. These delightful cookies can be served in various ways to enhance their charm and flavor.
With Hot Chocolate
- A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting treat.
As Holiday Gifts
- Package your Les sablés in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.
Decorated Dessert Table
- Arrange them on a beautiful dessert table alongside other festive treats to impress your guests during holiday parties.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like oranges or apples for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
How to Perfect Les sablés
To ensure your Les sablés turn out perfectly, consider these essential tips:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps in creaming the butter and sugar properly, leading to a lighter texture.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for at least two hours enhances flavor and makes it easier to roll out.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Les sablés Pairing side dishes with Les sablés can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Spiced Applesauce: A warm bowl of spiced applesauce adds a fruity sweetness that pairs well with cookies.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Mix: A crunchy mix of pecans tossed in cinnamon sugar provides a deliciously nutty contrast.
- Candied Citrus Peel: These sweet, chewy bites enhance the holiday feel and complement the cookies nicely.
- Vanilla Yogurt Dip: A smooth dip made from yogurt and vanilla adds creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows creates an interactive dessert experience.
- Peppermint Bark: This festive treat brings crunch and minty flavor, making it a great companion for Les sablés.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve perfect Les sablés every time.
- Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Incorrect measurements: Using inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient amounts.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to the required temperature before putting in your cookies.
- Using stale ingredients: Old or expired ingredients can impact flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your baking supplies before use.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many cookies on one sheet can cause them to bake unevenly. Space them out adequately to ensure even heat distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Les sablés in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Les sablés Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Les sablés Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top. Heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Les sablés .
Can I use different spices in Les sablés ?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
What is the best way to decorate Les sablés ?
Using colored icing and edible decorations like sugar pearls or chocolate chips can make your cookies festive and fun!
How should I store Les sablés ?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I freeze Les sablés ?
Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they are wrapped properly to prevent freezer burn.
What can I substitute for butter in Les sablés ?
You can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives to butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
Les sablés are delightful treats perfect for any winter celebration. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations according to your taste. Try making them with different spices or festive toppings, and enjoy sharing these lovely cookies with family and friends!
Les sablés
Les sablés are delightful holiday cookies that embody the festive spirit with their soft texture and sweet flavors. These charming, decorated treats are perfect for sharing during celebrations or simply enjoying with family. Easy to make and fun for children to decorate, they offer endless possibilities for creativity. With a delightful blend of cinnamon and lemon juice, each bite brings a taste of holiday cheer. Whether you package them as gifts or serve them at gatherings, Les sablés are sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 75 g butter
- 450 g icing sugar
- 2 eggs
- 235 g flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- For decoration: dark chocolate, colored icing, sugar pearls, candy decorations
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 egg with softened butter and icing sugar. Gradually add flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating with colored icing and candy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg



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