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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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