Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These melt-in-your-mouth French salted butter cookies are a perfect blend of rich butteriness and delicate sweetness with a hint of sea salt. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they make a wonderful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted French Butter, softened
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (or Fleur de Sel) for the dough
• Optional: 1 cup Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Citrus Zest (lemon or orange)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Cream the softened unsalted French butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
6. Step 6: If using, fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or citrus zest now.
7. Step 7: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Step 9: Lightly sprinkle additional sea salt on top of each dough ball.
10. Step 10: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
11. Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality French butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies tender.
• For a citrus twist, add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Try folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Sprinkling a pinch of coarse sea salt on top before baking enhances the buttery sweetness.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm cookies slightly in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted French butter?

While unsalted French butter is preferred for its flavor and quality, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added sea salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a better texture and taste.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

Experience the delicate and buttery delight of Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Salted Butter Cookies. These classic cookies blend rich French butter with a touch of sea salt for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory treat that’s crisp on the edges and tender inside. Ideal for a comforting snack or elegant tea-time accompaniment.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup Unsalted French Butter, softened
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (or Fleur de Sel) for the dough

Optional Variations

• 1 cup Chocolate Chips, semi-sweet or dark
• 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts, pecans or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Citrus Zest, lemon or orange

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted French butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, signaling that air has been incorporated for tender cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
6. Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps control spreading during baking and improves texture.
7. Form Dough Balls: Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
8. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle additional sea salt on top of each dough ball to enhance the buttery flavor with a delicate salty finish.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preserving their delicate texture.

Notes

• For a flavor twist, add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or citrus zest to the dough before chilling.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden to remain tender inside.
• Use high-quality French butter for authentic flavor.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to control spreading and texture.

Keywords: French Butter Cookies, Salted Butter Cookies, French Dessert, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe, Classic Cookies