French Salted Butter Cookies

French Salted Butter Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly transports you to a charming café in the French countryside. Perfectly golden at the edges with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a whisper of vanilla, these cookies are a delightful lesson in the magic of simple baking. Their ease, minimal ingredients, and adaptability make them a favorite for both quick weeknight indulgences and afternoon teatime with friends.

The first time I baked these was on a rainy afternoon when I needed a little comfort. Now they are my go to cookie when I want to share something truly special but stress free with loved ones.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: choose a European style for maximum richness and creaminess
• Granulated sugar: for a sweet crunch and a subtle caramelized note
• All purpose flour: creates the classic shortbread texture look for unbleached if possible
• Flaky sea salt: for finishing brings out all the other flavors use a good quality finishing salt for the best pop
• Pure vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth opt for real vanilla for the most aromatic cookies

How to Make It

Prep the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and even browning.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl blend your softened butter and granulated sugar together using a spoon or mixer set to medium low. Keep beating for three to five minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step ensures a light texture in the finished cookies.

Add Vanilla:

Pour in your pure vanilla extract and mix just until fully incorporated. This ensures every bite has that subtle vanilla aroma.

Combine with Flour:

Gradually add the flour to your butter mixture working on the lowest mixer setting or folding gently with a spatula. You want the dough to come together but not become over mixed. It should feel soft and a little delicate but not sticky.

Shape and Chill the Dough:

Shape your dough into a log about two inches thick using your hands to gently press it together. Wrap this dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This rest will firm up the dough and make slicing a breeze.

Slice the Cookies:

Once firm use a sharp knife to cut the dough into quarter inch rounds. Place each circle on your prepared pan leaving a little space between each for even baking.

Sprinkle with Sea Salt:

Just before baking add a light dusting of flaky sea salt over each round. This step is key for that signature salty sweet finish.

Bake:

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch closely for the edges to take on a light golden color while the centers stay pale. The contrast is what gives these cookies their perfect texture.

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This prevents any breaking or crumbling.

The flaky sea salt is my favorite finishing touch. I remember making these cookies with my grandmother and she would always say the salt is what makes them unforgettable. To this day I love watching people’s faces when they get that first burst of salt with the sweet.

Flavor Boosters

Look for butter that is pale and sweet smelling and always sift your flour for the lightest crumb. In spring add a sprinkle of finely chopped lemon zest to the dough for brightness. Around the holidays try dipping the cookie edges in melted chocolate and decorating with chopped pistachios or edible gold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these on a cookie platter alongside ripe strawberries and a pot of tea for a classic French café feeling. They are also delightful dunked in freshly brewed coffee or served with a dollop of whipped cream and roasted fruit for an easy dessert. For a simple holiday gift wrap a stack in parchment and tie with ribbon.

Creative Twists

You can swap in a high quality plant based butter for a dairy free version and it still works beautifully. For a gluten free option try a cup for cup gluten free all purpose flour blend but let the dough chill a little longer to help it firm up. If you do not have flaky sea salt a very small pinch of regular sea salt per cookie will do in a pinch.

Enjoy these French Salted Butter Cookies as an easy treat for any occasion. They are proof that simple ingredients can deliver spectacular results.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Why use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Salted butter adds depth and subtle savory notes that balance the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor and giving each bite complexity.

→ How long should the dough be chilled?

Chill the dough for at least one hour. This step prevents spreading, helps achieve a tender texture, and ensures clean slicing.

→ What is the best way to achieve an even bake?

Slice the dough evenly, use parchment paper on the baking sheet, and bake just until the edges are golden to maintain tenderness.

→ Can I add ingredients like nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Add nuts to the dough for crunch or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a richer variation.

→ How should the cookies be stored?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and flavorful.