French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Sophie Adams

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:10:50.544Z

These French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter with a hint of salt, making them utterly irresistible. Ideal for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack, these cookies will transport you straight to a quaint French café.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Buttery flavor with a hint of sea salt
  • Crispy edges with a soft center
  • Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

French Salted Butter Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful experience for your taste buds. With their rich, buttery flavor accentuated by a touch of sea salt, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or looking for a sweet addition to your picnic basket, these cookies fit the bill. Their versatility makes them suitable for both casual snacking and elegant dessert platters.

These cookies also pair wonderfully with various beverages. Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea, a rich espresso, or even a glass of cold milk. The combination of flavors and textures complements the drinks beautifully, enhancing your overall experience. They can also be a fantastic treat for sharing with friends and family, making every moment feel special.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect texture in your French Salted Butter Cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This allows for the ideal incorporation of air when creaming the butter and sugar, leading to a light and fluffy dough. Additionally, measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when it comes to flour and sugar, as this can significantly affect the outcome of your cookies.

Don't skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough helps to solidify the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in a cookie that has crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. If you're pressed for time, you can chill the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes as an alternative.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

Once baked, allow your French Salted Butter Cookies to cool completely before storing them. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but we doubt they'll stick around that long! If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months, making them a great option for future cravings.

These cookies are not just delicious on their own; you can also get creative with toppings. Try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate or sprinkling a bit of flaky sea salt on top right before baking. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to their presentation, making them even more tempting to your guests.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 250g unsalted butter, softened
  • 150g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 300g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Mix the ingredients thoroughly to achieve the perfect dough consistency.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or coffee!

Nutritional Information

While French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful indulgence, it's essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each cookie contains a balance of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, along with fats from butter. This combination provides energy, but moderation is key. Enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet.

If you're looking to make a healthier version, consider substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or incorporating nuts for added nutrition. These adjustments can enhance the cookies' flavor and texture while providing additional health benefits.

Variations to Try

There are numerous ways to personalize your French Salted Butter Cookies to suit your tastes. For a hint of citrus, add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough. This brightens the flavor and gives an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.

Another exciting variation is to incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruit into the dough. This adds bursts of flavor and texture, making each bite even more delightful. Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist, especially during the holiday season.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I add to the cookie dough for variety?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a different flavor profile.

French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Sophie Adams

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 250g unsalted butter, softened
  2. 150g granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 300g all-purpose flour
  6. 1 teaspoon sea salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 03

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 05

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 2g