Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted French Butter, softened; 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (or Fleur de Sel) for the dough; 1 cup Chocolate Chips, semi-sweet or dark; 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts, pecans or walnuts; 1 tablespoon Citrus Zest, lemon or orange

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted French butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or fleur de sel), plus additional for sprinkling

Optional: 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.

Step 7: Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.

Step 8: Lightly sprinkle additional sea salt on top of each dough ball for a flavorful burst.

Step 9: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Step 10: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality unsalted French butter for a rich and authentic flavor.

For a chocolaty twist, fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before chilling the dough.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Brighten the cookies with a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest mixed into the dough.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading while baking.

For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter and a flax egg.

Experiment with smoked sea salt or flaked sea salt for a more complex flavor.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and crunchy. In warmer climates, refrigerate for up to two weeks in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months—bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. To refresh texture, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I choose the right butter for French Salted Butter Cookies?

Always opt for high-quality unsalted French butter with a high fat content (around 82%) for the best flavor and texture. It makes a significant difference in richness and creaminess.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, freeze the dough tightly wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Roll the dough into balls directly from the freezer and add an extra minute or two to the baking time without thawing.