The world is definitely getting smaller. Is it a good thing, that’s another question for all of us to ponder. One thing for sure, the food blog community is definitely getting stronger, and the culinary world being so diversified, it is no surprise that a lot of homemakers nowadays even know how to prepare bakes and cakes which were once foreign to our grandmothers.
Such is the beauty of the world today. 
This sablé au chocolat, or easily translated as ‘Chocolate sand’, is one of the popular festive cookies in France, Thankfully it was also one of the popular festive cookies in my home, with almost 2 decades of yearly bakes for Eid. Growing up in a melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians and even Anglo-mixed races in Malaysia, each festive season is celebrated with a passion, irrespective of race, culture nor religion. I remembered vividly getting Ang Pau ( a small red packet with money) after visiting neighbours during Chinese New year, and as a child, playing fire crackers and nourishing myself on Murukku and Bombay mix from the aunties down the road from us during Diwali or Deepavali seasons. Not to forget, the excitements of school holidays and ‘man-made snow’ with Santa grotto that mushroomed overnight in shopping complexes, some even 2 months before the actual Christmas.
What do we give as festive tribute to our multi-ethnic neighbours? Cookies and cakes, being my mom’s specialty, are esteemed highly amongst her friends. Some even came to the house to learn how to bake cookies, some took the shortcuts and asked for trays of goodies to be sent over to theirs, all in good spirit of festivities. Although we lived across the world from France then, somehow, sable au chocolat would be made at home, and sent away as gifts. Year after year. Ironically my trips to Paris and even a short stay there reinforced what I already knew, the cookies are definitely a delight and the recipe that I inherited is for keep.
Let those beauties be a reason itself to celebrate, it’s time to indulge in a little bit of piping therapy.. happy baking.
PrintSablé au chocolat (Chocolate Sable)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These exquisite French chocolate sable cookies are both festive and luxurious, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 250g butter, kept at room temperature
- 200g plain flour
- 50g cornstarch flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 30g cocoa powder
- 120g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp fleur de sel (fine sea salt)
Instructions
- Cream the butter with powdered sugar until almost fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and fleur de sel, mixing well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, cornstarch flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
- Using a metal spoon, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving. The dough can be prepared in advance and frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
Hi Jehanne!
I’d like to find out how much golden castor sugar to use please. Also, powdered sugar is mentioned in your ingredient list but is not in your recipe?
Much appreciated! Love this site!
Best,
Olivia