French Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

French Butter Cookies are delightfully crisp and buttery treats that melt in your mouth. With simple ingredients and an easy process, you can create elegant cookies perfect for any occasion.

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 the flour until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Step 8: Cool the cookies 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.
• Chilling the dough thoroughly will help maintain the cookie shape and texture while baking.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven to restore crispness.

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 do I make the cookies more crisp?

Make sure to slice the dough thinly and bake until the edges just turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely to set their crisp texture.

French Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

Classic French Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a tender crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor. These crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for tea time or gifting, made with simple pantry ingredients and easy steps.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

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: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to fully combine and incorporate air for a tender texture.
2. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until they are fully incorporated into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, enhancing the cookie’s flavor profile.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing gently to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
4. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies hold their shape when baked.
5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
6. Slice and Arrange: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked through and crisping up.
8. Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. Cooling helps set the texture, making the cookies perfectly crisp.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
• Sifting powdered sugar avoids lumps and results in a smoother dough.
• Do not overwork the dough to keep cookies tender.
• The dough can be refrigerated overnight for convenience and even better flavor development.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking or add finely chopped nuts to the dough.

Keywords: French butter cookies, classic butter cookies, vanilla cookies, easy cookie recipes, homemade cookies, tender cookies, French dessert