There’s something so delightful about a simple buttery cookie. And here in France, some of my favorites are Punitions® cookies from the historic Boulangerie Poilâne in Paris. Today, we’re recreating these delicious treats, with my own spin on a Punitions® cookies recipe you can make at home!

These cookies are called a “sable” cookie in France, which means sand. With a high butter content and granulated sugar, these cookies have a crumbly crisp texture that melts in your mouth. They aren’t super sweet, so it’s really easy to eat them by the dozen!

There are many different styles of sable butter cookies made in France (like my sable cookies with chocolate ganache), but these Poilâne Punitions® cookies are some of my favorites – and one of this famous bakery’s most popular treats. Naturally, I had to create my own version of these slightly sweet cookies.

Keep reading to explore the history of Punitions® cookies and learn how to make them for yourself!

The History of Poilâne & Punitions® Cookies

Boulangerie Poilâne is an internationally renowned Paris bakery founded in 1932 by Pierre Poilâne. Since then, the bakery has been managed by three generations of the Poilâne family and has grown to multiple locations in Paris, a location in London, and an online bakery shipping worldwide.

Boulangerie Poilâne is known for many incredible baked goods – all made in wood-fired ovens. Punitions® cookies are one of its most-loved treats.

The Poilâne family has roots in Normandy, a region of France known for its rich, creamy butter and farm-fresh eggs. These ingredients come together with other simple additions to make Punitions® sable butter cookies.

It was Lionel Poilâne who named these cookies Punitions®. The name was a tribute to his great-grandmother, who would greet her grandchildren after school by telling them to come get their punition, or “punishment.” Instead of a true punishment, however, the children would be given delicious butter cookies.

Today, these cookies are still a favorite in France and around the world! They’re incredibly versatile and pair well with everything from coffee and tea to jam, ganache and other toppings. They’re also rich and tasty when eaten completely on their own.

The recipe I’m sharing today is inspired by these famous cookies, so you can enjoy this taste of Paris at home!

Making Punitions® Cookies at Home

This Punitions® cookies recipe is very simple. You probably have everything you need in your pantry already!

Ingredients for Punitions®

• Salted butter: These cookies get most of their rich flavor from butter, so be sure to use high-quality salted butter.
• Granulated sugar: This everyday sugar gives these cookies their sweetness and aids in the crumbly texture.
• Egg: Make sure to let your egg come to room temperature before adding it to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla extract: You can use store-bought vanilla or make your own vanilla extract (my personal favorite!).
• Cornmeal: The cornmeal works together with flour to give these cookies a unique texture and a deeper flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Typical all-purpose flour works great for this recipe. Read our guide to French vs American flour to learn more about the different types of flour in France and the U.S.

How to Make Punitions® Cookies 

Making these sable butter cookies is almost as simple as the ingredients that go in them! 

Simply cream together the butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla before beating to combine. Slowly add the cornmeal and flour until a dough begins to form.

Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper until it is about ¼” or 6mm thick and then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie cutter to cut out small cookie shapes and bake them on parchment-lined baking sheets for about 13-15 minutes at 350F/175C or until the edges are golden brown. You want a nice amount of color on these cookies for the beautiful crisp texture.

This recipe should make about 50 small cookies.

What Kind of Cookie Cutter Do You Need for Punitions® Cookies?

You can use any shape of cookie cutter for this dessert, but the traditional Punitions® cookies recipe uses a small, round cookie cutter with a scalloped edge.

The cookie cutter should be small – only about 1.5” in diameter. This is the kind I use and recommend.

How to Serve Poilâne Punitions® Cookies

Poilâne Punitions® cookies are best served simply, allowing their rich, buttery flavor to shine. Traditionally, they are enjoyed as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate, crisp texture pairs beautifully with a strong espresso or café au lait. They are perfect for dunking as well.

If you’re serving them at a gathering or just want a more indulgent experience, try serving the cookies with a selection of accompaniments. A side of crème fraîche or mascarpone with a drizzle of honey can add a luxurious touch, while fresh berries or jam add additional sweetness. They taste delicious served with my White Chocolate Lemon Curd Brûlée.

Punitions® cookies also make a fantastic gift or party favor. Package them up in a plastic cellophane bag or store them in a decorative tin as a hostess gift. If you really want to be fancy, you can even buy a cookie tin straight from Poilâne!

Storing Poilâne Sable Cookies

Punitions® stay fresh for several days in an airtight container, so they’re a great make-ahead treat for entertaining. Put yours in a cookie tin or glass container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving.

Make Your Own Punitions® Butter Cookies

Make these delicious treats in your own kitchen with the Punitions® cookies recipe below. And don’t forget to tag me in any photos of your creations on Instagram and TikTok!