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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 23 reviews

These French Salted Butter Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly balanced with a touch of flaky sea salt. Easy to make and ideal for any occasion, these classic cookies bring a sophisticated flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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, plus more for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air for tender cookies.
  3. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly until combined to infuse the dough with a subtle, sweet aroma.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Use low speed on your mixer or fold in gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Shape and Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting step firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helps develop flavor.
  6. Slice and Arrange Cookies: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the slices spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow spreading during baking.
  7. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on each cookie round to add a delightful contrast to the sweetness and enhance flavor.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden while the centers remain pale, ensuring a tender texture.
  9. Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract.
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for slicing clean rounds and maintaining cookie shape.
  • Adjust the flaky sea salt amount to taste; the contrast is key to authentic flavor.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: French cookies, salted butter cookies, classic cookies, buttery cookies, sea salt cookies, easy cookie recipe, vanilla cookies