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French Salted Butter Cookies

French Salted Butter Cookies
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French Salted Butter Cookies combine rich, creamy unsalted butter with a subtle touch of flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. These cookies feature tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers with crisp edges and an elegant buttery flavor enhanced by vanilla and a slight lift from baking powder. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and offers customizable variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This incorporates air, resulting in tender cookies instead of dense ones.
  2. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the dough with warm, aromatic flavor that complements the butter’s richness.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and prevent lumps.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the butter for better shape retention and flavor development.
  6. Shape and Arrange: Roll the chilled dough into small balls or form the desired shapes. Place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then lightly press sea salt flakes on top for a savory touch.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a delicate golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
  8. 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, locking in their buttery texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use high-quality unsalted butter for maximum richness and flavor.
  • Do not skip the chilling step to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
  • Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
  • Use flaky sea salt on top for enhanced texture and a perfect salty contrast.
  • Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges turn golden to maintain a soft center.

Nutrition

Keywords: French salted butter cookies, buttery cookies, sea salt cookies, elegant cookie recipe, gluten free butter cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/french-salted-butter-cookies/