French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of sophisticated French baking. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, these delicate treats are distinguished by their rich, buttery flavor and a hint of salt that elevates them above the ordinary. Each bite melts in your mouth, revealing a crumbly texture that speaks to both elegance and simplicity.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Perfect for both casual gatherings and sophisticated tea parties.
- Minimal Ingredients: A handful of high-quality components yield remarkable results.
- Impressive Flavor: The fusion of sweet and salt creates a gourmet experience that excites the palate.
What makes these cookies truly unique is the use of French salted butter, which imparts an exquisite, nuanced flavor profile that transforms each bite into pure bliss.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Base1 cup (225g) unsalted French butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the ToppingCoarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make French Salted Butter Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently sift together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter, using a spatula to fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft yet firm.
- Flavor with Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract, folding again until evenly distributed. The dough should feel smooth and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log that is about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The center should remain soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve French Salted Butter Cookies
For an elegant presentation, arrange the cookies on a fine porcelain platter or a textured wooden board. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers for color. Pair with a steaming cup of tea or coffee to enhance the experience.
How to Store French Salted Butter Cookies
To preserve their delightful texture and flavor, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you wish to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a low-temperature oven.
Tips to Make French Salted Butter Cookies
- Choose Quality Butter: Opt for a high-quality French butter, as its unique flavor truly distinguishes the cookies.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve a perfect texture.
- Experiment with Salt: For a twist, try different types of sea salt to discover how they affect the flavor profile.
- Add Zest: Consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus note.
- Dipping Option: Dip half of the cooled cookies in dark chocolate for an indulgent variation.
Variation
For an elegant alternative, consider adding finely chopped nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds to the dough, or infuse the cookies with lavender for a floral note. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate accompanying the cookies adds a decadent touch.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, however, reduce the kosher salt in the recipe to adjust for the saltiness of the butter.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Slice the dough into rounds and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer bag. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
In their simplicity, French Salted Butter Cookies embody elegance and craftsmanship, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Their sophisticated flavor and delightful texture create a memorable experience that is both refined and approachable. Share your thoughts or adaptations in the comments, and consider spreading the joy by sharing this recipe with friends. How would you make this dish your own?
Print
French Salted Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Salted Butter Cookies combine rich, buttery flavor with a hint of salt, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted French butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sift the all-purpose flour and kosher salt together, then gradually add them to the creamed butter, folding gently until just combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and fold until evenly distributed; the dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough into a log, about 2 inches in diameter, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are light golden brown and the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freezing is possible for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg