Description
French Salted Butter Cookies are a delicious combination of rich, buttery flavor with a hint of salt, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Known for their delicate texture and sweetness, these cookies are easy to make and versatile enough for any holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Salted Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or use French salted butter for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for a richer cookie)
Optional Toppings and Variations:
- Fleur de sel (sea salt) for sprinkling before baking
- Chocolate for dipping
- Citrus zest (lemon or orange) for added freshness
- Chopped almonds or hazelnuts for extra crunch
- Cinnamon roll breakfast seasoning for a cozy twist
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolk (if using), and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour and sea salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until the dough comes together. You may need to knead it by hand to ensure it’s fully mixed.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll and Shape: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out shapes, or make festive holiday designs.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, but will remain soft and buttery.
Notes
- For an added flavor boost, sprinkle fleur de sel on top before baking.
- Use high-quality butter, preferably European-style, for a richer taste.
- Chill the dough before baking to help shape the cookies and prevent spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: French Butter Cookies, Salted Butter Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Classic Cookies, Buttery Cookies