French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

French Salted Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of sea salt. These crisp cookies are simple to make and ideal for any occasion, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Use high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (Sift for fluffier cookies.)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Reduce if using salted butter.)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the sifted flour and salt to your creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them to allow for spreading.
5. Step 5: Flatten each ball slightly with your palm and generously sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Sifting the flour helps create a lighter, fluffier cookie.
• Reduce or omit the salt in the dough if using salted butter to avoid over-seasoning.
• Try adding a little lemon zest or finely chopped herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

Delight in the classic charm of French Salted Butter Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of rich, creamy butter and a subtle sprinkling of flaky sea salt. These cookies are tender, buttery, and lightly sweetened with both granulated and brown sugars, enhanced by a hint of vanilla. Baked to a golden perfection, they offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by the crunch of sea salt on top, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Use high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (Sift for fluffier cookies.)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Reduce if using salted butter.)

Topping

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before baking the cookies.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand or stand mixer. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the sifted all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie crumb.
4. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
5. Flatten and Salt: Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each cookie ball slightly to form discs. Generously sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the buttery sweetness with a savory crunch.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps achieve the ideal texture and prevents sogginess.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness precisely; adjust the added salt if using salted butter.
• Sifting the flour ensures a lighter, softer cookie texture.
• For extra flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Flaky sea salt adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast; do not skip this step.

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