French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a rich, buttery flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or looking for a special snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea. With a tender texture and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that elevates each bite, they’re hard to resist. Having made these cookies countless times, I can assure you that they’re not just easy to whip up, but they’re also incredibly satisfying and sure to impress.
Why You Should Try Making These Cookies
These French Salted Butter Cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence; they’re a simple yet sophisticated addition to your baking repertoire. Why should you take the time to make them? First off, they’re quick to prepare and require only pantry staples, making them budget-friendly. Plus, their melt-in-your-mouth texture is loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions when you want to impress without much hassle.
"I made these cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of sweet and salty is a game changer." — Emily, home baker
Step-by-Step Overview
These cookies come together effortlessly, and each step builds on the last, contributing to their deliciousness. Generally, you’ll start by creaming the butters and sugars, followed by mixing in the egg and dry ingredients. After forming the dough balls, a bit of flattening and sprinkling with sea salt will add that gourmet touch, and you’re ready to bake! Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
To create these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Feel free to substitute unsalted butter with salted butter if you want a slightly different flavor profile, just adjust the added salt to suit your taste!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to create a nice shape, then sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that perfect finish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic combo, or pair them with your favorite hot beverage, like a rich coffee or soothing herbal tea. For a twist, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that your guests will love!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store these cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining their deliciousness. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the dough before baking. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, make sure your butter is truly softened—this helps achieve the right texture. Additionally, don’t overmix the dough once you combine the dry and wet ingredients; a few flour streaks are okay. And remember, the sprinkle of flaky sea salt is not just for decoration—it’s key to balancing the flavors of the sweet butter cookies.
Creative Twists
While the classic salted butter cookie is undeniably delicious, there are numerous fun variations you can experiment with. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also roll the dough in colored sugar before baking for a festive touch or infuse the cookies with lemon zest or almond extract for a refreshing twist.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to make these cookies?
A: The entire process, from mixing to baking, takes about 30 minutes, making them a quick treat for any occasion!
Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just ensure that it’s suitable for baking.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months.
With their simple ingredients and delightful flavors, you’ll find that these French Salted Butter Cookies are not just a recipe but an invitation to enjoy some sweet moments in the kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
French Salted Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to make, these cookies combine rich buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to create a nice shape, then sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that perfect finish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze the dough for up to a month and bake directly from the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, French cookies, salted butter cookies, dessert recipes