French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

French Salted Butter Cookies are a timeless treat celebrated for their delicate texture and rich, buttery flavor enhanced by a touch of flaky sea salt. Simple yet elegant, these cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to sprinkle)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or folding in with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Step 6: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt before baking.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain pale.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use softened but not melted butter for proper creaming, which ensures a lighter texture.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and keep cookies tender and thick.
• For added flair, dip half the cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate once cooled.
• Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the dough for a subtle crunch.
• Mix in citrus zest such as lemon or orange for a fresh twist, or incorporate herbs like lavender or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
• Sandwich two cookies together with jam, caramel, or chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw before serving—flavors often deepen after resting for a day or two. Reheat gently if desired, but these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter and add flaky sea salt separately. This allows you to control the saltiness and ensures the perfect balance of flavors in the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least one hour before slicing and baking helps keep the cookies thick and prevents excessive spreading. Also, using softened but not melted butter aids in maintaining shape.

French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

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French Salted Butter Cookies are classic French treats known for their delicate texture, rich buttery flavor, and a subtle hint of flaky sea salt that perfectly balances sweetness. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a tender crumb with a gentle crunch and a whisper of vanilla, making them an elegant and timeless snack or dessert that pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or dessert wines.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes, to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or folding in gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should become soft but not sticky.
5. Shape and Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a 2-inch diameter log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
6. Slice Dough: After chilling, cut the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife for even slices.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the cookie rounds spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet and lightly sprinkle each with flaky sea salt to add a delicate salty crunch.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn pale golden while the centers remain lighter in color.
9. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Use softened butter—softened but not melted—to ensure proper creaming and the ideal texture.
• Chill the dough well to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
• Slice dough evenly with a sharp knife to ensure uniform baking.
• Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale with golden edges to avoid dryness.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
• Experiment with dipping cookies in chocolate, adding nuts or citrus zest, or sandwiching with jam or ganache for variations.

Keywords: French salted butter cookies, butter cookies, French cookies, baking cookies, flaky sea salt cookies, classic French dessert, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, vanilla butter cookies