French Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

French Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth with every bite. Simple yet elegant, these cookies are perfect for tea time or gifting to loved ones.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrus twist.
• Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Substitute almond extract for vanilla to create a nutty flavor.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking to add texture and sparkle.
• Make sandwich cookies by filling them with jam or ganache for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat briefly in the oven to regain crispness if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough before slicing helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

French Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

Delightfully buttery and tender French Butter Cookies made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection. These classic cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for tea time or gifting.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
2. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until they are fully incorporated into the creamed mixture, ensuring even flavor distribution.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
4. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough for easier slicing and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Slice and Arrange Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before serving or storing to allow them to set properly and enhance their delicate texture.

Notes

• Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Substitute almond extract for vanilla to impart a nutty flavor.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added texture and sparkle.
• Create sandwich cookies by filling with jam or ganache for extra indulgence.

Keywords: French butter cookies, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies, classic cookies, easy cookie recipe, melt-in-your-mouth cookies