French Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

French Butter Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. Their tender, buttery texture and delicate sweetness make them a timeless favorite in any baker’s repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
6. Step 6: Place the cookie slices onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
• If you like a touch of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Chilling the dough longer will help maintain the cookie shape and improve texture.
• These cookies pair wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—simply place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature. Reheating in a low oven for a few minutes can bring back their fresh-baked taste and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

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

How can I make these cookies crispier?

Use a bit more granulated sugar and bake until the edges turn a deeper golden brown. Also, slicing the dough thinner will help the cookies become crisper.

French Butter Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

French Butter Cookies are a classic, tender, and buttery treat perfect for baking at home. These delicate cookies combine rich unsalted butter with sugar and vanilla, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, these cookies are sliced from a chilled dough log and baked until their edges are lightly golden.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For Topping (Optional)

• Extra sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or sturdy spoon to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
2. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate moisture and flavor into the dough.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it to maintain tenderness.
4. Refrigerate Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. This chilling step firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6. Slice and Arrange Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the slices spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle extra sugar on top of each cookie for added sweetness and a slight crunch.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps the cookies set perfectly.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal dough consistency.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
• Chilling the dough is essential; skipping this step may cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
• Sprinkling sugar on top before baking adds a subtle crunch and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• These cookies can also be dipped in melted chocolate for a decadent variation.

Keywords: French butter cookies, butter cookies recipe, classic French cookies, easy baking, vanilla cookies, homemade cookies