French Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These French Butter Cookies are delightfully tender and buttery, perfect for a simple yet elegant treat. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create delicate cookies that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Step 2: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Step 4: Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Step 8: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Chocolate-dip the cooled cookies for a delightful twist.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to regain a slight crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I prevent the dough from being too crumbly?

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help bring it together.

French Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

Traditional French Butter Cookies with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these cookies are ideal for teatime or gifting.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add Flavor and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and evenly combined.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender cookie texture.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing and better texture.
5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Slice the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for minor spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing, which helps them to firm up and develop their characteristic crispness.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough.
• Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and contributes to a smoother dough.
• Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For variation, you can dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra special treat.

Keywords: French butter cookies, simple cookie recipe, buttery cookies, French dessert, easy cookie recipe