Name: French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486231H24M54S
Total time: PT-486231H24M54S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted French butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available); Additional sea salt for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These French Salted Butter Cookies are irresistibly light and crumbly, with the natural richness of French butter enhancing their flavor. The delicate sweetness combined with the slight salinity from the sea salt creates the perfect balance, and the cookies’ tender texture will melt in your mouth. The best part? You don’t need any fancy techniques to make them, just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience. They’re the perfect treat to impress guests or enjoy yourself!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted French butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available)
Additional sea salt for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened French butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will give the cookies a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a homogenous mixture.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
Mix together: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures a tender crumb.
Shape the cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Add topping salt: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with a pinch of sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your fresh batch of French Salted Butter Cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or as an indulgent snack.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

Chocolate-dipped: For a more decadent treat, dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or milk chocolate.
Herb-infused: Add a small amount of finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the sea salt.
Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to add extra texture and flavor to your cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and crunchy.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat the cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

For the best results, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dough. However, if you use salted butter, reduce or eliminate the additional sea salt in the recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This also helps the flavors meld together.

Can I make these cookies without egg?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to make the cookies vegan-friendly.

How can I make these cookies extra crispy?

For a crispier texture, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. You can also bake them a minute or two longer until they’re golden brown and more crunchy.

Can I use a different type of salt for the topping?

Yes, you can use any flaky sea salt, such as fleur de sel, Maldon, or Himalayan pink salt, to sprinkle on top of the cookies for that salty-sweet contrast.

Conclusion

These French Salted Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery richness and savory sea salt, making them a unique and delightful treat. With their simple ingredients and easy process, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you serve them with tea, share them with friends, or indulge on your own, these cookies are a luxury everyone will enjoy. Try them today and experience the incredible combination of flavors!

French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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These French Salted Butter Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery richness and savory sea salt, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a light, delicate crunch. Simple ingredients and easy steps make them an indulgent treat for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted French butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available)

Additional sea salt for topping

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened French butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with sea salt.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden around the edges, and the centers remain soft.
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.