Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about French salted butter cookies! Imagine biting into a perfectly baked treat that’s both rich and buttery, with just the right hint of salt dancing on your taste buds. These cookies are not just desserts; they’re little bites of heaven that transport you straight to a cozy Parisian café. I remember the first time I had one; it was during a rainy afternoon in France, and each cookie paired beautifully with a warm cup of tea. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and then another!). They’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—or just because you deserve something special today!

Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
How to Prepare French Salted Butter Cookies
Making French salted butter cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is! Just follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get that warmth going so your cookies bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
- Now it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients! Gradually add the all-purpose flour and sea salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine everything!
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Gently flatten each ball with your palm, just a bit, and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for that perfect salty finish.
- Now, pop those beauties in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re a lovely golden color around the edges.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up just right!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful French salted butter cookies, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general guide. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, 8g of fat, 1g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Enjoy them in moderation as a sweet treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful hint of salt
- Perfectly simple recipe, great for beginner bakers
- Ideal for sharing with friends, family, or just for yourself
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins
- These cookies make any day feel a little more special
Tips for Success
If you want your French salted butter cookies to be absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps the cookies hold their shape but also enhances that rich flavor we all love. If you prefer a more intense salty kick, feel free to adjust the sea salt to your taste—just be careful not to overdo it! Also, don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—trust your nose and those golden edges!
Variations of French Salted Butter Cookies
One of the best things about French salted butter cookies is how versatile they are! If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful twist that chocolate lovers will adore. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract, which gives your cookies a lovely, nutty flavor. Feeling adventurous? Mix in some finely chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and taste. You could even experiment with citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to brighten up the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your French salted butter cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you like them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—wow, that buttery goodness will be as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions, so let’s tackle some common ones! If you’re wondering about substitutions, you can absolutely use salted butter instead of unsalted butter—just skip the added sea salt. If you need a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter; the flavor will still be delightful! Now, for those with dietary restrictions, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients. As for storage, these cookies keep well in an airtight container, but if they start to lose their crispiness, a quick pop in the oven will revive that lovely texture. Enjoy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our banana muffin recipe or try making chocolate lime brownies for a sweet treat!
Print
French Salted Butter Cookies: 7 Irresistible Bites of Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French salted butter cookies are rich and buttery treats with a hint of salt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Let cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly.
- You can add chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: french salted butter cookies











