French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat, look no further than these French Salted Butter Cookies. Each cookie delivers that perfect balance of rich, creamy butter and just the right hint of flaky sea salt, making every bite a little celebration. These cookies are deceptively simple yet utterly addictive, boasting a tender crumb that comes from classic French baking techniques. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon tea or an elegant dessert platter, these cookies elevate any moment with their subtle sweetness and irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these French Salted Butter Cookies lies in a handful of classic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the buttery texture, delicate crumb, and perfectly balanced flavor profile that you’ll fall in love with.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 225g): Use softened butter to ensure the cookies are tender and rich without overwhelming saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250g): The backbone of the cookie, providing texture and shape.
- Flaky sea salt (1/4 teaspoon plus extra): A sprinkle of this on top enhances the flavor and gives a subtle crunch.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth, lifting the buttery flavors beautifully.
How to Make French Salted Butter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by softening your butter to room temperature—it should give slightly to the touch without being oily. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter with sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process is key because it introduces air into the dough, ensuring your cookies come out light and tender.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar mixture looks creamy, pour in the vanilla extract. Blend just until combined, so the aroma disperses evenly and enriches the dough without overpowering it.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. You can do this on low speed if using a mixer, or fold it in gently by hand with a spatula. The dough will come together softly but won’t be sticky—that’s exactly what you want for easy shaping.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the butter to firm up so the cookies will hold their shape and bake evenly. Patience here really pays off for texture and flavor!
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once chilled, slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds, place them on the sheet, and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookies smell heavenly.
How to Serve French Salted Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before baking elevates the flavor profile dramatically. You can also lightly dust with powdered sugar post-baking for a subtle sweet contrast that looks as good as it tastes. Some like to add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a gorgeous finish and a hint of bittersweet richness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a natural match with warm beverages like black tea, rich coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a glass of chilled dessert wine or a delicate cup of espresso. Fresh fruit or light sorbets also pair beautifully, adding brightness that balances the buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your French Salted Butter Cookies on a pretty platter decorated with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers for a sophisticated touch. Stack them tied with a rustic ribbon as charming homemade gifts for friends and family. Or dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and let them set on parchment for an elegant, indulgent twist that dazzles guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking and maintain their perfect texture. This makes them a delightful treat you can savor over several days without losing freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, slice your dough log before baking and freeze the raw cookie slices on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies any time you desire.
Reheating
To enjoy your French Salted Butter Cookies warm, pop them into a low oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This quick reheating brings back the delicate softness and enhances the buttery aroma, making each bite as delightful as when freshly baked.
FAQs
What makes these cookies French?
The emphasis on high-quality butter, simple ingredients, and the use of flaky sea salt are hallmarks of French baking. These cookies capture that refined balance of flavor and texture typical of traditional French butter cookies.
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe precisely. Using salted butter might make the cookies too salty, especially when you add flaky sea salt on top.
How do I get the perfect cookie texture?
Chilling the dough is crucial—it firms up the butter and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the flour to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Can I add flavors to the cookies?
Definitely! While the classic vanilla is perfect, feel free to experiment with finely chopped citrus zest, ground cinnamon, or almond extract for subtle flavor twists that complement the buttery base.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend with similar baking powder content, but be mindful that texture may vary.
Final Thoughts
Baking these French Salted Butter Cookies is like inviting a little piece of France into your kitchen. Their simple ingredients and straightforward techniques combine to create something unexpectedly special—a crisp yet tender cookie with beautiful buttery richness and that perfect sprinkle of sea salt. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch how quickly they become your new go-to cookie for every occasion. Happy baking!
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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Salted Butter Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a subtle hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They make an elegant and simple treat suitable for any occasion, featuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of savory salt that enhances the rich butter flavor.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to sprinkle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-5 minutes, creating a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Add the pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, then mix until it is thoroughly combined, infusing the dough with warm vanilla flavor.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Use low speed on your mixer or fold it in gently with a spatula. Mix just until combined — the dough should be soft but not sticky to the touch, careful not to overwork it.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter for uniform slices. Wrap the log tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies keep their shape when baking.
- Slice and Sprinkle: Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt to enhance the buttery flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking, as these cookies are delicate and can quickly become too crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up perfectly for a tender, buttery bite.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe; additional flaky sea salt is sprinkled on top for finishing.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easy slicing and maintaining cookie shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a slight variation, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest for a citrus hint.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: French butter cookies, salted butter cookies, vanilla cookies, flaky sea salt cookies, easy cookie recipe, French dessert, holiday cookies
