Chocolate pistachio sables

These slice-and-bake beauties from the kitchen of fifth-generation California chocolate maker Amy Guittard freeze well, making them perfect for holiday entertaining or unexpected guests.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light rye flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Guittard Cocoa Rouge (Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder)
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup shelled, chopped unsalted pistachio nuts
Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, light rye flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, and vanilla. Gradually stir in flour mixture until combined. Fold in pistachios.

Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a log, about 2 inches wide by 10 inches long. Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove dough from refrigerator. (If dough has been in the freezer, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.) Unwrap dough and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Set slices on prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies. Sprinkle each cookie with fleur de sel.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until centers appear set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Makes 25 cookies