Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled out the warm tray of Classic French Salted Butter Cookies from the oven, the rich, buttery aroma danced its way through my kitchen, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. These cookies, with their elegant simplicity, strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making them an ideal choice for any gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. What’s more, the beauty of this recipe lies in its ease; even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find creating these delightful morsels a breeze. Imagine sharing these melt-in-your-mouth cookies over tea with friends or savoring one as a late-night indulgence—you won’t be able to resist! Are you ready to discover how to elevate your baking game with this timeless classic? Why Choose French Salted Butter Cookies? Irresistible Flavor: These cookies boast a luxurious buttery taste, enhanced by a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, making every bite a heavenly experience. Unmatched Simplicity: With just a few basic ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up a batch with confidence. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an afternoon tea or part of a festive dessert board alongside cheese and fruits, these cookies are sure to impress. Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal chilling time, you’ll have warm, fresh cookies ready in no time—ideal for spontaneous snack cravings! Versatile Delight: Experiment with variations by adding chocolate dips or nuts for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful French Salted Butter Cookies; perhaps pair them with a cozy cup of Earl Grey tea as you enjoy each tender crumb! French Salted Butter Cookies Ingredients • For the Dough Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 225g) – Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and creaminess. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup / 100g) – Essential for sweetness and helps achieve golden edges; no substitution recommended. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups / 250g) – This forms the base of the cookies; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary. Flaky Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon, plus extra for sprinkling) – Enhances the cookie’s rich buttery taste and adds a savory touch to the sweetness. Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds depth and warmth; feel free to swap with almond extract for a different flavor profile. Get ready to impress with these classic French Salted Butter Cookies, indulging in a delightful blend of sweetness and saltiness! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic French Salted Butter Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring you’re ready for the cookies once they’re shaped. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked French Salted Butter Cookies that will come out golden and delicious. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This crucial step develops a rich texture that makes your cookies irresistibly buttery and delightful. Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract With the butter and sugar mixture ready, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Blend until just incorporated, allowing the vanilla to enhance the buttery flavor of your Classic French Salted Butter Cookies. This extra touch deepens the overall flavor profile, making each bite more memorable. Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, either using the mixer on low speed or folding it in gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough; it should feel soft but not sticky. This gentle handling will keep the cookies tender and perfectly textured. Step 5: Shape the Dough and Chill Once your dough is formed, transfer it onto a clean surface and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential; it helps prevent spreading during baking and ensures you achieve beautifully shaped French Salted Butter Cookies. Step 6: Slice the Cookies After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. As you cut, admire the smooth edges that promise delightful textures in your cookies. Place these rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for spreading. Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt Before baking, lightly sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This step not only enhances the flavor but creates that perfect sweet-salty balance in your Classic French Salted Butter Cookies. The added salt will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of flavor that dance on your palate. Step 8: Bake the Cookies Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the cookies should turn golden around the edges while maintaining a pale center. This visual cue indicates they are perfectly baked, ensuring a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Step 9: Cool and Serve After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for preserving the delicate texture that characterizes Classic French Salted Butter Cookies. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. What to Serve with Classic French Salted Butter Cookies? Indulging in these buttery delights opens up a world of delightful pairings that elevate your experience to new heights. Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes and bergamot flavor perfectly complement the buttery richness of the cookies, creating a soothing afternoon treat. Espresso: Enjoying a strong cup of espresso alongside offers a delightful contrast, enhancing the sweet-savory balance of the cookies. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and figs provide a juicy, refreshing contrast, adding brightness to each buttery bite. Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a cheese platter for a sophisticated touch, balancing the savory cheese with their sweet-salty charm. Chocolate Ganache: Serve with a side of rich chocolate ganache for dipping, turning your snack into an indulgent dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious twist that combines creamy and crunchy textures. Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds a floral sweetness that complements the salty cookie beautifully and enhances the flavor. Sparkling Lemonade: The effervescence and citrus of lemonade provide a refreshing palate cleanser, making every bite feel invigorating. Mixed Nuts: A blend of salty and sweet nuts adds varied texture and an earthy taste that pairs nicely with the cookies’ flavor profile. Make Ahead Options These Classic French Salted Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape it into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the chilled dough into rounds, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, and bake as directed. This method ensures every cookie is just as delicious, with that irresistible buttery flavor and light crunch, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your cravings! How to Store and Freeze French Salted Butter Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them fresh and delicious, ready for snacking any time! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen French Salted Butter Cookies, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will bring back that delightful texture. Reheating: If you desire a warm cookie, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will revive their buttery aroma and melt-in-your-mouth quality! Expert Tips for French Salted Butter Cookies Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is vital for achieving the creamy texture in your cookies. Avoid melted butter, as it can lead to over-spreading during baking. Chill the Dough Well: Properly chilling the dough is essential. This step prevents the cookies from flattening out and helps maintain their shape when baked. Watch the Baking Time: Be cautious not to overbake! Look for a pale golden edge; this ensures your French Salted Butter Cookies will be tender and flavorful. Parchment Paper is Key: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet not only prevents sticking but also aids in even browning, giving you perfectly baked cookies every time. Adjust Salt to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of flaky sea salt used for sprinkling. This can help customize the sweet-salty balance to your liking! French Salted Butter Cookies Variations Customize your French Salted Butter Cookies for a unique twist that awakens your taste buds and sparks joy. Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half or fully in dark or milk chocolate for a luscious layer of sweetness. Indulging in the combination of buttery cookie and rich chocolate creates an elegant treat that elevates your dessert experience. Nutty Variations: Add finely chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough for a delightful crunch. The added texture not only complements the buttery base but also invites a delicious nuttiness that makes each bite unforgettable. Flavored Additions: Mix in citrus zest, like lemon or orange, or delicate herbs such as lavender or rosemary. These fresh flavors can transform your classic cookies into aromatic delights that will transport you to a sunny afternoon, perfect for tea! Sandwich Style: Fill the cookies with your choice of jam or indulgent chocolate ganache for an extravagant treat. Picture taking a bite and tasting the creamy filling bursting forth, making them irresistible for any sweet tooth! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. This allows everyone to enjoy the rich buttery nostalgia without missing out on flavor or texture! Spiced Version: Experiment by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice profile. The warm spices will blanket you in comfort, making these cookies reminisce of cozy holidays and family gatherings. Savory Addition: Consider adding a pinch of herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the dough for a surprising savory twist. The unexpected flavor notes will delight adventurous palates and impress your guests while keeping the buttery essence intact. Whatever variation you choose, remember to savor the magic of baking. And if you’re looking for more delicious cookie ideas, check out my Peanut Butter Cookies or indulge in some Browned Butter Cookies that offer their own unique charm! French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best butter for French Salted Butter Cookies? Absolutely! For the richest flavor and texture, I recommend using high-quality unsalted butter. Look for butter that is creamy and has a smooth consistency, ideally one with a higher fat content (around 82% or more) as it provides the best results in flavor and creaminess. What’s the best way to store French Salted Butter Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just be sure to layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in the container to prevent them from sticking together. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can! After shaping the dough into a log and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as directed. This is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on demand! What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to a few reasons. First, ensure your butter is softened but not melted—it should be at room temperature for optimal creaming. Second, chilling the dough is crucial; make sure it’s sufficiently firm before slicing. If your dough seems too soft, you might consider adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Are French Salted Butter Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? Yes, they are! The classic recipe contains only basic ingredients and is nut-free. However, if you’re making variations that include nuts, be cautious and ensure you inform anyone who might have allergies. Always double-check labels to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred. Can I adjust the sweetness in the recipe? Definitely! If you’d like to decrease the sweetness in your French Salted Butter Cookies, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly. However, I suggest not cutting it down by more than a few tablespoons to ensure the texture stays consistent. Balancing the sweetness is all about personal preference, so feel free to adjust it to your liking! Heavenly French Salted Butter Cookies You’ll Love to Make Indulge in these French Salted Butter Cookies, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that are easy to make and deliciously irresistible. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Unsalted Butter Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and creaminess.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Essential for sweetness and helps achieve golden edges; no substitution recommended.2 cups All-Purpose Flour This forms the base of the cookies; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.1/4 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt Enhances the cookie's rich buttery taste and adds a savory touch to the sweetness.1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Adds depth and warmth; feel free to swap with almond extract for a different flavor profile. Equipment OvenMixing bowlElectric MixerBaking sheetParchment paperplastic wrapsharp knife Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic French Salted Butter CookiesPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.Mix in the pure vanilla extract until just incorporated.Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and mix until just combined.Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg NotesChill the dough well to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Adjust the amount of flaky sea salt to customize the sweet-salty balance. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
