There’s something incredibly special about the rich, buttery aroma that wafts through the kitchen when you’re making French Salted Butter Cookies. Known in France as “Sablés de Bretagne,” these delightful cookies are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients. Made with just butter, flour, sugar, and salt, they melt in your mouth, giving you that nostalgic feeling of enjoying a homemade treat while sitting in a quaint little café. What’s even better? They come together in a jiffy, making them perfect for when you need a sweet pick-me-up or an elegant dessert for guests. If you love the tender, buttery texture of shortbread or the crispy edge and tender center of chocolate chip cookies, then you’re sure to enjoy these cookies too! These little morsels of joy are family-friendly, easily made, and pure comfort food in cookie form.
Have you ever wondered why the French are so great at making pastries and cookies? Well, perhaps it’s all about that attention to detail, the quality of the ingredients, and the love that goes into baking. Just like another popular recipe on this blog, the classic shortbread, these cookies deliver that rich, buttery flavor we all adore, but with the added flair of sea salt. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to elevate your baking game with these irresistible French Salted Butter Cookies!
What are French Salted Butter Cookies?
French Salted Butter Cookies are a wonderfully simple and utterly delightful treat that embodies the best of French pastry-making. The name does indeed have a playful ring to it! Can you imagine a wise chef in a cozy bistro declaring, “The secret to happiness lies in the balance of sweet and salty”? It’s almost poetic! These cookies are a lovely mix of flavors, where the richness of salted butter creates a delicious contrast with sugar. It’s a classic saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and what better way to make that connection than with these heavenly cookies? Get ready to impress your family and friends with a treat that’s just as easy to make as it is to devour!
Why You’ll Love These French Salted Butter Cookies:
A Buttery Delight
These cookies are the epitome of indulgence, boasting a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth with each bite. The combination of sweet and salty makes for a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is hard to resist.
Cost-Effective & Simple
Making these delights at home is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few standard pantry ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet treat without the gourmet price tag.
A Taste of France
The addition of sea salt elevates each cookie, making them unique. You might even find yourself reaching for one (or two!) during your next coffee break. If you love cookies that pack a punch in flavor, you’ll definitely want to check out our buttery shortbread recipe too!
So roll up your sleeves and dive into this easy and delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make French Salted Butter Cookies:
Quick Overview
Making French Salted Butter Cookies is a breeze! With a preparation time of just about 20 minutes, followed by baking, you’ll have these golden-brown beauties ready to enjoy in just over half an hour. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the quality of the butter to shine through, creating a rich and satisfying treat for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for French Salted Butter Cookies:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Sea salt: ½ teaspoon (plus more for topping)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Add Some Salt: Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve French Salted Butter Cookies With:
To complement these delightful cookies, consider serving them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for that extra cozy touch. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of jam, or for an even richer experience, serve them alongside a chocolate fondue. For brunch lovers, these cookies can easily be showcased as part of a delightful spread with fresh fruits and whipped cream.
Top Tips for Perfecting French Salted Butter Cookies:
- Use Quality Butter: The flavor truly shines through in this recipe, so choose a good-quality butter.
- Chill the Dough: If time permits, chilling the dough for 30 minutes will help the cookies maintain their shape and enhance their flavor.
- Be Generous with Salt: A bit of extra sea salt on top can elevate the sweet flavors beautifully. Just don’t go overboard!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store your French Salted Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you may also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
By now, your mouth should be watering at the thought of these delectable French Salted Butter Cookies! They’re easy to make, oh-so-delicious, and an absolute delight to share with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
French Salted Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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