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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

5 from 7 reviews

French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful treat featuring rich, creamy French butter combined with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These crisp-on-the-outside yet tender-on-the-inside cookies are easy to make and ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup unsalted French butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available)

Topping

  • Additional sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened French butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring even sweetness and a tender texture.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture by beating until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, homogenous batter.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
  5. Mix Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Add Topping Salt: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor with a subtle burst of saltiness.
  9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
  10. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breakage.
  11. Enjoy: Serve your freshly baked French Salted Butter Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Using high-quality French butter is key for authentic flavor and texture.
  • Chilling the dough ensures the cookies keep their shape and improves texture.
  • Adjust the sea salt topping to taste for a more or less pronounced salty contrast.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a richer flavor, consider using fleur de sel as the finishing salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: French butter cookies, salted butter cookies, French cookies, homemade cookies, butter cookies recipe, sea salt cookies