French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert; Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: French cookies, salted butter cookies, butter cookies, vanilla cookies, easy cookie recipe, flaky sea salt dessert