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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

5.2 from 12 reviews

Delight in these classic French Salted Butter Cookies that perfectly balance rich, creamy butter with a hint of flaky sea salt. Crispy on the edges and tender in the center, these elegant cookies are quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion, offering a subtle vanilla flavor that complements their buttery goodness.

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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3 to 5 minutes, which ensures a tender texture in the cookies.
  3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Aim for a soft but non-sticky dough to maintain the right structure.
  5. Shape and Chill Dough: Form the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up and make slicing easier.
  6. Slice and Salt: After chilling, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor and provide a delicate crunch.
  7. Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden but centers remain pale, ensuring a perfect delicate crunch with a soft interior.
  8. Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing them from breaking.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt level; ensure it’s softened for easier creaming.
  • If you prefer a stronger salt flavor, feel free to add extra flaky sea salt on top before baking.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and achieving the perfect texture.
  • For a decorative touch, consider pressing a fork gently on the tops before baking.
  • Store cooked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they remain fresh for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: French cookies, salted butter cookies, butter cookies, vanilla cookies, easy cookie recipe, flaky sea salt dessert