French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a truly irresistible treat, these French Salted Butter Cookies are a perfect choice. With a delicate balance of sweet vanilla and a hint of flaky sea salt, each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind a rich buttery flavor that will make you smile every time. These cookies have a lovely crumbly texture that feels light yet satisfyingly rich, making them an ideal companion for your afternoon tea or a charming gift in a beautiful tin. The beauty of French Salted Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity—classic ingredients come together to create something remarkably elegant and timeless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful French Salted Butter Cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor—whether it’s the creamy butter lending richness, the vanilla adding warmth, or the flaky salt providing that signature savory pop.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, softened butter ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a luxurious flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty notes without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives structure and the lightly crisp texture to the cookies.
• Flaky sea salt (1/4 teaspoon plus extra to sprinkle): Introduces that essential finishing touch—small bursts of saltiness that contrast beautifully with the sweet dough.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle aromatic depth, making these cookies simply irresistible.

How to Make French Salted Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping create a tender, delicate crumb that is the hallmark of these French Salted Butter Cookies.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, stir in the pure vanilla extract. This small addition brings a warm, inviting aroma to the dough and elevates the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and flaky sea salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough, so every cookie has a consistent subtle salty finish.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt mixture into the butter-sugar-vanilla bowl. Stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft but manageable, ready to be shaped into cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough. This chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and improves the texture.

Step 6: Slice and Sprinkle

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavor even more.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden. Keep a close eye during the final minutes to avoid overbaking; these cookies should stay tender with a hint of crisp around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up slightly and achieve the ideal crumbly texture that French Salted Butter Cookies are loved for.

How to Serve French Salted Butter Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are beautiful on their own, a tiny sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt just before serving can enhance their flavor and add a delicate crunch. For a festive touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate that perfectly contrasts the buttery richness.

Side Dishes

French Salted Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks. They taste fantastic alongside a hot cup of tea, a strong espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine. Adding fresh berries or a simple fruit compote can provide a fruity balance to the rich cookies during dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or serving at a gathering, arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, maybe layered with parchment paper and adorned with fresh herbs like rosemary or lavender for a rustic yet elegant look. You can also stack them in a mason jar or a vintage tin tied with twine for a charming homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your French Salted Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture helps preserve their crisp texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh previously made French Salted Butter Cookies, warm them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will restore their delightful crispness without drying them out, making them taste almost freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe because you control the amount of salt that goes into the dough. Using salted butter could make the cookies too salty or affect the delicate balance of flavors.

What type of salt works best for sprinkling?

Flaky sea salt is ideal because its light, crunchy texture adds a pleasant burst of saltiness without overpowering the cookie. Regular table salt or fine grains won’t provide the same effect.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! While the classic flavor is wonderful on its own, you can add a hint of citrus zest like lemon or orange, or even a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist. Just be careful not to overwhelm the buttery base.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, keeping in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before slicing is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Also, avoid over-softening the butter to maintain the right dough consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about French Salted Butter Cookies that makes them a beloved classic. They offer a perfect balance of simple ingredients crafted into something elegant and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies bring warmth and joy with every buttery, salty bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite to cherish for years to come.

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