The Perfect Little Cookie: Dorie Greenspan’s Vanilla Bean Sablés

Buttery and simple—just about the perfect cookie.

I feel better about the world knowing there’s cookie dough waiting in my freezer.

Not for emergencies, exactly—just for those moments when life calls for something buttery, sweet, and baked from scratch on demand. (Which turns out to be surprisingly often.)

And that’s exactly what these (Internet famous) Vanilla Bean Sables from beloved baking icon Dorie Greenspan are good for.

I had some extra softened butter hanging around from another recipe and took it as a clear sign from the universe that it was time to try them.

Best part?

Slice and bake some now, then wrap and stash the rest of the dough in the freezer for later.

These cookies really shine when you use a European-style butter and a couple of plump vanilla beans, split and scraped right into the dough.

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log. Brush with an egg wash, then roll in a generous snowstorm of sparkling sugar.

Cut into half-inch coins and bake in a low oven until they’re pale gold at the edges and still tender in the middle.

These cookies perfume the whole house with the scent of butter and vanilla—this is the kind of smell that makes you cancel plans and put a kettle on.

I love the specks of vanilla that run through each cookie, and the crisp, sugary edge that’s impossible to resist.

Set out a plate of these simple but outstanding cookies with a scoop of ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries for an easy, unfussy dessert.

Thanks for reading, friends.

Hope your holiday week is a good one! See you next time.

VANILLA BEAN SABLES

RECIPE LINK:

Dorie Greenspan’s Vanilla Sables recipe link is here.

You can also find this recipe on Alexandra’s Kitchen, where she adds some great tips.