Shortbread: a timeless delicacy that has stood the test of time

The biscuit, and more particularly the shortbread, is a delicacy that has conquered taste buds the world over. This crunchy little delicacy, present in every culture, has a history that is as rich as it is tasty. But what do we really know about this simple pleasure that so often accompanies our gourmet breaks? Let’s delve into the world of the biscuit, and more specifically the Norman sablé, a true emblem of traditional biscuit-making in Normandy.

The word ‘biscuit’ comes from the Latin bis coctus, meaning ‘cooked twice’. The first traces of biscuits date back to ancient times, when the Greeks and Romans prepared flatbreads that were baked twice to ensure better preservation. Very practical for long journeys, these biscuits were prized because they kept much better than fresh bread.

 In the Middle Ages, explorers and sailors took biscuits with them because they could be stored for long periods without deteriorating. It is from this tradition that the biscuit also derives its role as a travelling companion, a custom that has evolved over the centuries.

Today, the world of biscuits is incredibly varied. From melt-in-the-mouth shortbread to soft cookies and crispy speculoos, each culture has developed its own variations, influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions.

• Sablé Normand: very popular in France, this biscuit is renowned for its light, melt-in-the-mouth texture, due to its high butter content. Our biscuit factory Les Sablés d’Asnelles®, located in Normandy, is a perfect example of this with its traditional shortbread made with Isigny PDO butter.
• The cookie: Originating in the United States, this chocolate chip biscuit has become an essential part of gourmet breaks around the world (also available in our patisserie).
• Macaroon: A little cousin of the biscuit, this delicious treat is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and is a French speciality that’s appreciated the world over.

Beyond its delicious taste, shortbread is often associated with moments of conviviality and sharing. What could be better than savouring a melting shortbread with a cup of tea or coffee during a break with friends or family? This sweet treat is also a great snack for children, and often serves as a light dessert after a meal.

At Les Sablés d’Asnelles^®, we are delighted to offer you four different types of shortbread, each with its own unique taste experience:

• Les sablés d’Asnelles^®: made with Isigny PDO sweet butter, this shortbread has been THE house speciality for over a century. It literally melts in your mouth and offers an incomparable experience.
• Saléfin^® ‘Saveurs de Normandie’: this scallop-shaped shortbread is thinner than the traditional shortbread and subtly combines sugar and Isigny PDO semi-salted butter for a unique taste that reflects the flavours of Normandy.
• Le Chocofin^®: perfect for chocolate lovers, this shortbread blends butter and 100% full-flavoured cocoa powder for a gourmet and comforting experience.
• Carasnelles^®: the latest addition to the range, this shortbread is sprinkled with slivers of Isigny salted butter caramel. Just the right amount of crunch, it’s already a hit with our caramel-loving customers.

As well as these classics, we also offer shortbread with chocolate flakes, raspberry chips and orange peel. We invite you to come and discover these delights directly in Asnelles, between Arromanches-les-bains and Courseulles-sur-Mer, in the heart of the Normandy landing beaches.

Whether you’re just passing through the region or coming specifically from Paris or Caen for a gourmet getaway, our artisan biscuit factory is open all year round. In the off-season, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a more leisurely visit, away from the crowds, and sample our artisanal shortbread in a peaceful setting.

If you can’t make it to Asnelles, we’ve thought of everything. You can now buy our biscuits online and enjoy them wherever you are in France. For private customers, our products are available on the” Made in Calvados” and « Normand e-boutique » platforms. For professionals, we are present on” Ankorstore” and” FAIRE”.

Whether you’re in Paris, Caen or elsewhere, we invite you to discover the pleasure of a traditional Norman biscuit, right from your home.

You can also find our Normandy shortbread in over 130 sales outlets in France, including Paris and Caen, as well as across Europe (Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, England) and even occasionally in Japan.