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French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

These French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful treat featuring rich, creamy French butter and a perfect balance of sweetness and sea salt. Crispy on the edges and tender in the center, they are ideal for a sophisticated snack or dessert, embodying classic French flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup unsalted French butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel, if available)

Topping

  • Additional sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened French butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
  6. Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  7. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches spacing to allow for spreading.
  8. Add Salt Topping: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with additional sea salt to enhance the flavor contrast.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft for the perfect texture.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they finish firming up.

Notes

  • If you cannot find French butter, use a high-quality unsalted European-style butter for best results.
  • Chilling the dough is important to prevent excessive spreading and to develop flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sea salt topping according to your taste preference for saltiness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
  • Fleur de sel adds a delicate crunch and gourmet touch but regular sea salt works well.

Keywords: French butter cookies, salted butter cookies, French dessert, buttery cookies, sea salt cookies

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/french-salted-butter-cookies-recipe/