Description
French Butter Cookies are classic, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with rich butter, sugar, and vanilla. These delicate cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor, making them an ideal snack or dessert for any occasion. Simple to prepare and bake, they delight with their crisp edges and tender centers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For Topping (Optional)
- Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg yolk followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring even distribution of flavor and richness.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overworking it to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log and tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up the dough, which helps with slicing and maintaining shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Slice Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled log from the fridge and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds for evenly sized cookies.
- Arrange and Add Sugar: Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to ensure they set properly.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to help achieve a creamy, fluffy texture when creaming.
- Chilling the dough ensures cleaner slices and prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- For a different flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Optional sugar topping adds extra crispness and sweetness but can be skipped for a smoother cookie surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: French butter cookies, classic butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, vanilla cookies, homemade cookies, buttery cookies, simple dessert
