French Salted Butter Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty

French Salted Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness and a delicate touch of sea salt. These simple yet elegant cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the ideal treat to pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee. With a few basic ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create these delicious cookies in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Salted Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that anyone can appreciate. The rich flavor of high-quality butter shines through, balanced beautifully with the subtle touch of salt that enhances the sweetness. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and they’re easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious snack, these cookies will definitely impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted French butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available)

• Additional sea salt for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, homogenous mixture.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.

5. Mix Together

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should come together smoothly without being too sticky.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and improves the texture.

7. Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.

8. Add Topping Salt

Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with a pinch of sea salt (or fleur de sel) for an extra flavor kick and to enhance the cookies’ sweetness.

9. Bake

Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking.

10. Cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

11. Enjoy

Serve these warm, buttery cookies with your favorite beverage, or gift them in decorative boxes for a sweet homemade treat.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Servings: 24-30 cookies

Variations

1. Add Chocolate: For a twist, you can fold in some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

2. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.

3. Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist on these cookies.

4. Smoked Salt: Try using smoked salt instead of sea salt for a deeper, more complex flavor.

5. Nuts: For added texture, fold in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of French butter?

Yes, regular unsalted butter can be used, but using French butter (which is higher in fat content) will elevate the flavor and texture of the cookies.

Can I make these cookies without the sea salt?

The sea salt is a key component of these cookies, as it balances the sweetness and adds a delicious contrast. However, you can reduce or omit the salt if desired.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to let it soften a bit before rolling and baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If using salted butter, reduce the additional salt in the recipe to about ½ teaspoon to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies should still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should have golden brown edges, and the centers should still look soft. Don’t overbake them, as they will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

French Salted Butter Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines simplicity with gourmet flavor. Their rich, buttery texture, complemented by the touch of sea salt, makes them a standout snack. Whether you serve them at a party, enjoy them with a cup of tea, or gift them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With easy steps and a few key ingredients, you’ll create a delightful and unforgettable treat every time.

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