There’s just something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The sweet aroma wafting through the house, the anticipation of that first warm bite—it’s pure joy! Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: French salted butter cookies. Oh wow, if you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting these little gems, you’re in for a treat! The combination of rich, creamy salted butter and a hint of sweetness creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients could come together to make something so delightful! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on their delicate texture and buttery goodness. Perfect with a cup of tea or just on their own, these cookies are a must-try for any home baker!
Ingredients List
- 250g salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 200g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 400g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and to perfection. I always set my timer for when I mix the dough, so by the time I’m ready to bake, the oven is nice and hot!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get started! Cream together the 250g of softened salted butter and 200g of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer. The key is to really whip it up so that it becomes airy and incorporates plenty of air—this is what gives your cookies that delightful texture!
Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and uniform. Don’t worry if it looks a little bit curdled at first; just keep mixing, and it will come together beautifully!
Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s sift in the 400g of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Sifting helps to avoid lumps and gives a lighter texture. Gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely airy texture!
Shape and Bake
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each cookie as they will spread a bit. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a little different!
Cool and Serve
After baking, let those mouthwatering cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely. Trust me, they are simply divine served warm, but they also hold up beautifully for later snacking. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these delicious French salted butter cookies? Here’s a typical breakdown of nutritional values per cookie—keep in mind, these are estimates!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, as you indulge in these delightful treats, just remember to enjoy them in moderation! They’re definitely a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for a last-minute treat!
- The unique flavor of salted butter gives these cookies an irresistible twist.
- Delightfully tender texture with a hint of crunch on the edges.
- Perfectly sweet, balancing the saltiness of the butter for a delicious contrast.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or just enjoying with a cup of tea.
- They stay fresh for days, making them a wonderful make-ahead option.
- Simple ingredients mean you likely already have everything you need!
- Endlessly customizable—feel free to add your favorite mix-ins!
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect batch of French salted butter cookies is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time:
- Dough Consistency: Your cookie dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you get that just-right consistency.
- Chill the Dough: For even better results, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Plus, it makes them easier to handle!
- Baking Sheet Preparation: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. And don’t overcrowd the sheet; leave space between the cookies to allow them to spread.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake! Ovens can vary quite a bit. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Cooling is Key: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart. Plus, enjoying them warm is just heavenly!
- Taste as You Go: If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to taste the dough (before adding the egg, of course!). It helps you adjust sweetness or add more vanilla if needed. Just remember, the dough can be addictive!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm! Happy baking!
Variations
Ready to mix things up a bit? The beauty of French salted butter cookies is that they’re a fantastic base for all sorts of delightful variations! Here are a few of my favorite ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a generous cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to your dough for a classic twist. The melted chocolate combined with the buttery base is simply irresistible!
- Nuts About Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. Just about half a cup should do the trick!
- Citrus Zing: For a refreshing change, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough. It brightens the flavor profile and gives your cookies a lovely citrus aroma.
- Extract Extravaganza: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract for a unique twist. Just a teaspoon of these will add a delightful depth of flavor!
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall. You can even try adding some pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat!
- Sea Salt Topping: For an extra salty kick, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking. This enhances their flavor and gives a nice contrast to the sweetness!
- Caramel Swirls: Add bits of caramel or a swirl of caramel sauce into the dough before baking. It will create sweet pockets of gooey goodness in every bite!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! Each variation brings its own charm to these cookies, ensuring that there’s always something new to enjoy. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful French salted butter cookies, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh and tasty! The best way to store your cookies is in an airtight container. This helps to maintain their soft texture and buttery flavor for several days. I usually stack them in layers, with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to keep your cookies for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat them, but if you love that warm, fresh-baked taste, pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how delicious they taste again!
And trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a slightly warm salted butter cookie, bringing back that fresh-baked joy. Enjoy every crumb!
For more delicious recipes, check out American cookies recipes or Pasta Primavera recipes.
Print
French Salted Butter Cookies: 7 Irresistible Magic Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious French cookies made with salted butter.
Ingredients
- 250g salted butter
- 200g sugar
- 1 egg
- 400g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream together the salted butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder. Combine until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Adjust sugar for a sweeter taste if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: french salted butter cookies
