French Salted Butter Cookies Delightful and Easy Recipe

Welcome to the delightful world of French salted butter cookies! If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent treat, you’re in the right place. This recipe takes soft, creamy butter and combines it with fine sea salt for a sweet and savory bite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and whip up these delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion. You’ll be amazed at how easy they are to make!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 250g unsalted butter, softened

– 200g granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 300g all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)

Making French salted butter cookies is simple. You need just a few key ingredients. First, you need butter. Use 250 grams of unsalted butter. It must be softened to mix well. This butter adds richness and flavor.

Next, grab 200 grams of granulated sugar. This sugar makes the cookies sweet and gives them a nice texture. You also need one large egg. This helps bind the ingredients together.

Don’t forget the vanilla! You need one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. It adds a lovely aroma and flavor.

Now, for the dry ingredients, you will use 300 grams of all-purpose flour. It gives the cookies their structure. You also need one teaspoon of baking powder. This helps the cookies rise.

Finally, you must add ½ teaspoon of sea salt. This salt balances the sweetness. You will sprinkle extra salt on top later for a nice touch.

These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. Each bite of these cookies will melt in your mouth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough

First, take a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream these together until the mix is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, crack one large egg into the bowl. Pour in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat this mixture well until it is fully combined.

Preparing the Dough for Chilling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You need 300 grams of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of sea salt. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can change the texture of your cookies.

Shaping and Baking

Now, divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Wrap these logs in plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is key for the dough to firm up.

After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough logs from the fridge. Slice each log into ½ inch rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Finish by sprinkling a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden when done. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

To get the best cookies, you should avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the cookies can turn out tough. Mix just until the flour blends in. This keeps them light and crumbly.

Chilling the dough is also key. After you form your dough into logs, wrap them tightly and chill for at least two hours. This step makes the dough firm. It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Enhancing Flavor

Using high-quality vanilla makes a big difference. Pure vanilla extract gives a rich taste that artificial flavors can’t match. You can also try different salts for topping. Sea salt adds a nice crunch and contrast to the sweet cookie.

Storing Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Variations

Flavor Additions

You can easily change the taste of these cookies. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips. Use dark, milk, or even white chocolate. Each choice gives a unique flavor. If you love nuts, try almonds or walnuts. Chopped pistachios also add a great crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite!

Gluten-Free Adaptations

If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap out all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These work well but may need a little more care. Keep an eye on baking time. Cookies may bake faster, so check them a few minutes early.

Seasonal Twists

Make these cookies special for the holidays. Add festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a Christmas touch, use red and green sprinkles. You can also dip the cookies in chocolate. Drizzle with melted chocolate for a fun look. These ideas make your cookies perfect for sharing!

Storage Info

Keeping Cookies Fresh

To keep your French salted butter cookies fresh, use an airtight container. A tin or glass jar works well. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before you store them. This helps prevent moisture. When stored properly, these cookies last about one week.

– Use an airtight container.

– Ensure cookies are cool before storage.

– Best shelf life: up to one week.

Freezing for Later Use

Freezing cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. First, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn.

– Freeze cookies in a single layer first.

– Use a freezer bag for storage.

– Best for up to three months.

To thaw, take out the cookies and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Enjoy them fresh, just like when you first baked them!

FAQs

What makes French salted butter cookies different?

French salted butter cookies stand out because of the use of salted butter. Salted butter adds a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar. This small change makes a big difference in taste. The salt enhances the other flavors in the cookie, making each bite delightful. When baking, using high-quality salted butter can elevate your cookies from good to great. The unique taste comes from the traditional methods used in France to make this butter. It’s a simple twist that gives these cookies their signature flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time! I suggest prepping the dough in advance. After mixing your dough, form it into logs and wrap them well. You can store the wrapped logs in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want. If you need to store the dough longer, freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Where can I buy authentic French salted butter?

You can find authentic French salted butter at specialty grocery stores or online. Look for brands like Président or Echiré, which are well-known for quality. Many large supermarkets also have a gourmet section where you can find imported butter. Online, websites like Amazon and gourmet food shops often stock these brands. If you want the best flavor for your cookies, using real French salted butter is worth the search.

This blog post shared a simple guide for making French salted butter cookies. You learned about the key ingredients and steps for mixing and baking. I also offered tips to enhance texture and flavor. You can explore different variations and storage methods to keep your cookies fresh.

With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy these tasty treats at home. Baking these cookies is fun and rewarding, so start your baking adventure toda