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French Salted Butter Cookies

French Salted Butter Cookies

French Salted Butter Cookies are crispy, buttery treats made with simple, high-quality ingredients for an authentic French flavor. These cookies feature a perfectly crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth center, enhanced by the subtle saltiness of salted butter and flaky sea salt. Ideal for bakers of all levels, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful cookies that are elegant yet easy to prepare, with versatile options for customization.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and high-quality
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or flaky salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Soften the unsalted butter to room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar. Accurately measure all ingredients to ensure consistent results.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air for a delicate crumb.
  3. Add Vanilla Extract: Thoroughly mix in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute the warm, sweet flavor throughout the dough.
  4. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Gently fold the ingredients together until the dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter for shapes. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Watch closely to avoid overbaking and maintain delicate texture.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set with crisp edges and a soft center.

Notes

  • Use butter at room temperature, not melted, for proper creaming and texture.
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
  • If dough feels too soft, chill for 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Check cookies starting at 12 minutes to avoid drying them out from overbaking.
  • Use parchment paper for even baking and to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: French cookies, salted butter cookies, crispy cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookie recipe