If you crave a treat that’s both simple and delicious, French salted butter cookies are for you. These cookies melt in your mouth and balance sweet with a touch of salt. In this guide, I will walk you through the easy steps to whip up this delightful snack. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy afternoon, these cookies bring joy to any occasion. Let’s bake!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Buttery: These cookies are rich and decadent, thanks to the generous amount of butter used in the recipe.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of granulated and brown sugars creates a delightful sweetness that isn’t overwhelming.
- Simple to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Flaky Sea Salt Finish: The sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor and adds a wonderful texture to each cookie.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make French salted butter cookies, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
– 1 large egg
Measurement Details
When measuring your ingredients, be sure to follow these tips:
– Use a dry measuring cup for flour and sugar.
– Pack the brown sugar firmly into the cup for accurate measurement.
– Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, to mix well.
– For sea salt, use a measuring spoon for precise amounts.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use salted butter instead of unsalted for a saltier taste.
– Substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor.
– If you don’t have vanilla extract, try almond extract for a twist.
– For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
These options help you adjust the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
– 1 large egg
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Use an electric mixer to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined.
Next, take another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of flaky sea salt. This step adds air to the flour, making your cookies light.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until a dough forms. Do not overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough.
Baking Techniques
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each ball. They will spread while baking.
Gently flatten each cookie ball with the palm of your hand. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This salt gives the cookies a nice contrast to the sweet dough.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden. This is when you know they are ready.
Cooling Instructions
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This step helps them set before moving.
After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying. This helps keep them crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Texture
To make your cookies soft and chewy, use softened butter. This helps mix well with the sugars. When you beat the mixture, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This step adds air, making your cookies rise nicely. Don’t overmix after adding flour. Just combine it until you see no dry bits. This keeps your cookies tender.
Flavor Variations
You can get creative with flavors! Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. For a fun twist, try a bit of orange or lemon zest. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract. Each change will give your cookies a new taste.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine as a snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a glass of milk. They pair well with coffee or tea. You can even stack them in a jar for a lovely gift. For a treat, drizzle melted chocolate on top. It’s a simple way to impress your friends!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature helps create a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour.
- Chill the Dough for Best Results: If time allows, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Quality Flaky Sea Salt: A high-quality flaky sea salt will provide the perfect balance of flavor, enhancing the sweet and buttery notes of the cookies.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
You can enjoy French salted butter cookies without gluten. To make them gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You can also try almond flour. It gives a nice nutty flavor. Just remember, using a different flour may change the cookie’s texture.
Flavor Infusions
Want to change the taste? You can add different flavors! For a chocolate twist, mix in chocolate chips. Dark or milk chocolate works well. You can also add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch. If you love citrus, try adding lemon or orange zest. This will give your cookies a fresh, bright taste.
Seasonal Adaptations
You can make French salted butter cookies special for holidays. For winter, add warm spices. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices make the cookies cozy and festive. For fall, mix in pumpkin spice for that seasonal touch. You can also use holiday-themed cookie cutters. This makes them fun for parties or gifts.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Cookies
To keep your French salted butter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the bottom of the container with parchment paper. Place the cookies in a single layer. If you have many cookies, add another layer of parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, move the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Shelf Life Tips
French salted butter cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they lose their crunch, you can crisp them up in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
What are French salted butter cookies?
French salted butter cookies are a sweet treat made with butter, sugar, and salt. They have a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of saltiness. The cookies are crisp around the edges and soft in the center. This combination creates a delightful taste that makes them hard to resist.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added sea salt by half. This will help keep the taste balanced. Salted butter adds extra flavor, but it may change the cookie’s final taste. It’s best to taste as you go.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the butter. Also, make sure your baking sheet is not too warm when you place the dough on it. Keeping space between cookie balls can also help them hold their shape.
What can I pair with French salted butter cookies?
These cookies pair well with tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with ice cream or fresh fruit. The salty-sweet flavor goes great with chocolate or caramel sauces. For a fun twist, serve them with a fruit compote for a refreshing touch.
This blog post covered all you need to know about making French salted butter cookies. I shared ingredient lists, measurement details, and smart substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for prep, baking, and cooling. I offered tips for perfect texture, flavor changes, and serving ideas. We explored gluten-free options and seasonal flavors too. Lastly, I discussed the best ways to store and freeze your cookies. Dive in and create your perfect batch today! Enjoy the process and share your delicious result
