There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked French salted butter cookies wafting through your kitchen. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness paired with a hint of salt that dances on your taste buds, making you question why you ever settled for anything less. These cookies are not just treats; they are little bites of happiness that can brighten up even the gloomiest of days. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Pecan Pie recipe.
I remember the first time I tasted these delightful morsels. It was during a rainy afternoon in Paris, where I stumbled upon a quaint little bakery. The moment I bit into one, my taste buds did a happy dance, and I knew I had to recreate this experience at home. Perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to fancy soirées, these cookies promise an explosion of flavor and nostalgia.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These French salted butter cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to shine
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweet and salty elements for an unforgettable treat
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown edges, they are sure to impress anyone who sees them
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as a simple snack or elegant dessert
I once made these cookies for a family gathering, and the look on my cousin’s face when he took his first bite was priceless—he actually swooned!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor; it’s key in achieving cookie perfection.
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Granulated Sugar: The sweetness balances the saltiness beautifully; feel free to adjust to your taste.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that elevates these cookies even further. pumpkin sugar cookie variation. pumpkin pie twists for dessert. thanksgiving pie twists. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée recipe.
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All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works best for a tender crumb; no need for fancy alternatives here.
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Sea Salt: Opt for flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top; it enhances the flavor with every bite.
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Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for authentic flavor; it’s worth it!
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Baking Powder: This little ingredient helps give the cookies their delightful rise without compromising texture.
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Eggs: One large egg is all you need for binding; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. classic apple pie recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake those cookies. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the butters: In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugars until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it. You’ll want that mixture to look like clouds of happiness.
Add the eggs: Beat in one egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring everything looks smooth and velvety.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt until well mixed. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough.
Merge mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this isn’t arm wrestling; we want tender cookies!
Scoop & sprinkle: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each dollop lightly with flaky sea salt right before baking; this will enhance those flavors beautifully.
Bake away: Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft—the perfect balance of textures!
Cool down: Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. The aroma will have everyone flocking into the kitchen like moths to a flame!
And there you go! Simple yet utterly delicious French salted butter cookies ready to be devoured by friends or cherished in private (we won’t tell). Enjoy every crumb!
You Must Know
- French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that balances sweet and salty perfectly
- These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing
- The aroma of baked butter fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste them
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in dry ingredients gradually. This order ensures even distribution of flavors and a soft texture.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. You could even sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for an enhanced salty kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, briefly microwave them to restore that fresh-baked goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality salted butter for the best flavor; it makes a world of difference
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking
- Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer for perfect results every time
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would sneak me bites of dough while we baked together. Those moments filled with laughter and flour fights made the cookies taste even better!

FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to maintain the flavor balance.
How long do these cookies last?
They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week.
Can I freeze French Salted Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Delightful French Salted Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the exquisite taste of French salted butter cookies, a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and a hint of salt that creates an unforgettable treat. These easy-to-make cookies, with their golden-brown edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture, are ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply enjoying a cozy day at home. Their enchanting aroma will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone to join in on the delight!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more for topping)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown while centers remain soft.
- Allow cooling on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





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