Sitting in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, the scent of freshly baked French Salted Butter Cookies would always fill the air. I can still remember the way the golden-brown cookies would melt in my mouth, the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Those afternoons spent helping Grandmère in the kitchen are some of my most cherished memories. She’d let me carefully roll the dough and place the cookies on the baking sheet, watching with pride as they transformed in the oven. And of course, I always snagged a few warm cookies straight from the tray – I just couldn’t resist! To this day, the flavor of those French Salted Butter Cookies transports me right back to my childhood. That’s why this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.
Why This French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
These French Salted Butter Cookies are truly a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The secret lies in the high-quality, European-style butter – it gives the cookies an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor. And the touch of flaky sea salt? It takes these cookies to the next level, perfectly complementing the buttery goodness. I can guarantee that once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
The Secret Behind Perfect French Salted Butter Cookies
The key to these French Salted Butter Cookies is letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become absolutely sublime. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! I also like to use a combination of all-purpose flour and a touch of cornstarch, which gives the cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality. And of course, you can’t forget the generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top – it’s the crowning glory that makes these cookies truly exceptional.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step French Salted Butter Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your French Salted Butter Cookies
Get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible French Salted Butter Cookies! This recipe is straightforward, but it does require some patience as the dough needs to chill for at least 24 hours. With a total active time of just 30 minutes and a baking time of 10-12 minutes, you’ll have a plate of freshly-baked cookies in no time. All you’ll need is a stand mixer or hand mixer, a baking sheet, and a little bit of elbow grease.
1- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2- Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
4- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (and up to 3 days).
5- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6- Scoop the chilled dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops generously with flaky sea salt.
Pro Tips for Success
Be sure to use high-quality, European-style unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. And don’t skimp on the chilling time – that’s what gives these French Salted Butter Cookies their incredible melt-in-your-mouth quality. One common mistake to avoid is over-mixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. As long as you follow the steps and let the dough rest, you’ll be rewarded with buttery, crispy-edged perfection.
Serving and Storing Your French Salted Butter Cookies
Perfect Pairings for French Salted Butter Cookies
These French Salted Butter Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Their rich, buttery flavor also pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or champagne. And don’t be afraid to get creative – they make a lovely addition to any cheese board or dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these French Salted Butter Cookies is that they keep incredibly well. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months – simply scoop, freeze, and bake straight from the freezer when a craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for French Salted Butter Cookies
Creative French Salted Butter Cookies Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, you can have fun with different flavor twists on these French Salted Butter Cookies. Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced note. Or fold in chopped toasted nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for extra crunch. For a festive touch, roll the dough in crushed candy canes or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
Making French Salted Butter Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these French Salted Butter Cookies gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and replace the egg yolk with a flax or chia “egg.” And if you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor by using a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: I’d recommend sticking to unsalted butter for this recipe. The added salt in salted butter can throw off the balance of flavors. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the amount of flaky sea salt you sprinkle on top.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?
A: The dough absolutely needs to chill for at least 24 hours, and up to 3 days. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become perfectly tender and crisp.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Absolutely! These French Salted Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: Depending on the size you scoop the dough, this recipe will yield approximately 18-24 cookies. I like to make them on the smaller side, about 1-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Q: My cookies spread too much in the oven. What did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to let it rest for the full 24 hours (or up to 3 days) before baking. The extended chill time is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape.
French Salted Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Discover the secrets to making irresistible French Salted Butter Cookies – a classic treat with a delightful crumbly texture and a light sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Mix in the vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
4. – Gradually add the flour and mix just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. – Gently press down on each cookie with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
7. – Sprinkle the cookies with a light dusting of flaky sea salt.
8. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a softer cookie, bake for a shorter amount of time. For a crunchier cookie, bake for the full 15 minutes. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Conclusion
These French Salted Butter Cookies are truly a work of art – buttery, crisp, and oh-so-delectable. I hope this recipe transports you to a cozy Parisian café, just like it does for me. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, set aside an afternoon, and get baking! These cookies are sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Bon appétit!
