If you are looking to create a truly delicious and timeless treat, this French Butter Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These cookies are the epitome of simple elegance, boasting a tender crumb and buttery richness that melts in your mouth. Perfectly crisped on the edges while delightfully soft inside, they capture the essence of classic French baking in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies will bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create cookies with incredible texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the delicate touch of vanilla.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g): Using softened butter helps achieve that perfect creamy base and sumptuous texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup/150g): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the slight crispness of the cookie edges.
- Large egg yolks (2 + 1 extra): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together, ensuring a tender finished product.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the buttery flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups/250g): The structure of the cookie depends on this, giving it that perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting flat.
- Milk or water (1 tsp): Used in the egg wash to give a shiny, golden finish if you choose to glaze them.
How to Make French Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key for creating cookies that are tender and melt upon biting.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the two egg yolks along with the vanilla extract into the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Mixing these in thoroughly enhances the richness of the dough while layering in that lovely vanilla warmth.
Step 3: Combine Flour and Salt
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding carefully so you preserve the fluffiness but achieve an even dough consistency without overmixing.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Once your dough comes together, shape it either into a log or a neat disc. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and chilling in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and bake. This step also helps flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into uniform rounds about ¼-inch thick. For a glossy, golden finish, brush each cookie lightly with the egg wash made from the extra egg yolk mixed with a teaspoon of milk or water.
Step 6: Bake
Place the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want edges that are golden but centers still soft to the touch. This ensures the perfect textural contrast that makes these French butter cookies irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while keeping their delicate crumb. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee and watch as everyone asks for seconds!
How to Serve French Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking adds a festive sparkle. For a touch of decadence, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let them set. Fresh herbs like a hint of lavender blossom or finely grated lemon zest sprinkled on top can bring out subtle aromatic layers.
Side Dishes
French Butter Cookies pair perfectly with light accompaniments. Think a delicate cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or fresh fruit compote. They’re also delightful with a glass of dessert wine for special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special gatherings, stack the cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment. Tie with a rustic ribbon and include a handwritten note of this French Butter Cookies Recipe. You can also sandwich two cookies with raspberry jam or lemon curd for a charming twist that doubles as a sweet treat and conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your baked cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This makes them a convenient make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or just to indulge in throughout the week without losing that fresh-baked taste.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, the cookie dough itself freezes wonderfully. Shape it into a log or disc, wrap tightly in plastic, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container to maintain their crispness, then thaw on the countertop when ready.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This revives their tender texture and slightly crisp edges, making them taste freshly made in moments.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What makes these French Butter Cookies different from other butter cookies?
The French Butter Cookies Recipe focuses on a perfect balance of richness and delicate crumbiness achieved through careful creaming and chilling steps. The vanilla and egg yolks bring extra depth that sets it apart from simpler butter cookies.
Can I add nuts or other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted almonds, finely ground pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can be incorporated into the dough for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in after you combine the flour.
How thin should I slice the dough before baking?
Slicing about ¼-inch thick is ideal. Thinner slices might overbake and become too crisp, while thicker ones may need longer baking and risk being undercooked inside.
Is it okay to skip the egg wash?
Yes, the egg wash is optional and mainly for a glossy, golden finish. If you skip it, the cookies will still taste amazing but may have a more matte, rustic appearance.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this treasured French Butter Cookies Recipe, I encourage you to give it a try and bring a slice of classic French charm into your kitchen. It’s a beautifully simple recipe that never fails to impress whether for yourself or when sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every buttery bite and happy baking!
Print
French Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These classic French Butter Cookies are rich, tender, and buttery with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, they make an elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp milk or water
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the 2 large egg yolks and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt through the flour.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, folding carefully to combine without overworking the dough, until you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log or disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough for easier slicing and better texture when baked.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Optionally, mix the egg yolk with milk or water to brush on the cookies for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the sliced cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with the egg wash if using, and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delicate, buttery French cookies.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter and fresh egg yolks.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to achieve the right texture.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a little coarse sugar on top before baking.
- If you prefer, the egg wash can be omitted for a more matte finish on the cookies.
