Sables (Norman Sugar Cookies)

A classic sugar cookie found throughout Normandy, sometimes called a galette or petit beurre. Serve with fruit desserts.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Yields: 12 large cookies

Ingredients

• 2  cups flour
• 8  tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5  egg yolks
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Sift the flour and the sugar into a large bowl and add the butter, bit by but, mixing with an electric mixer or by hand.
2. Continue mixing until the dough takes on a sandy consistency.
3. Add four of the egg yolks, one by one, the salt and the vanilla, continuing to mix.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4".
7. With a cookie or biscuit cutter (or a small glass) cut out two inch circles and place on a lightly buttered cookie sheet.
8. Mix the remaining egg yolk with the milk and, with a pastry brush, coat the top of each cookie.
9. With the tip of a small knife, score 6 or 7 stripes on each cookie.
10. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
11. Remove from oven, cool on a rack and store in an airtight container.