Delicious homemade French Butter Cookies on a rustic plate

French Butter Cookies

ByOlivia Carter
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why make this recipe

French Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a taste of France to your kitchen. They are simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying. With their rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, these cookies are perfect for all occasions—whether you are hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Plus, they have a wonderful texture that pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

how to make French Butter Cookies

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Directions :

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds.
  7. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool before serving.

how to serve French Butter Cookies

French Butter Cookies can be served in many ways. They are delightful on their own, or you can pair them with jam or chocolate for an extra treat. Arrange them on a pretty plate for a special occasion, or simply enjoy them with your favorite beverage. They make a fantastic gift when packaged in a decorative tin.

how to store French Butter Cookies

To keep your French Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

tips to make French Butter Cookies

  • Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
  • Chill the dough well before slicing to ensure clean, even rounds.
  • Experiment with flavors; you can add lemon zest or almond extract for a different twist.
  • Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be lightly golden for the best taste.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe. Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for additional flavors. Another option is to dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate after baking for a delicious twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it well.

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French Butter Cookies

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 72 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delightful French Butter Cookies that are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds.
  7. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool before serving.

Notes

Serve with jam or chocolate, and store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to three months.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

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Hi, I’m Olivia Carter. I’m 41 years old, born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now living in Denver, Colorado, where the mountains are as much a part of my inspiration as the markets I shop from. My kitchen is my safe place it smells of herbs, wood smoke, and sometimes just-baked bread cooling on the counter.

I didn’t grow up with professional chefs around me just hardworking parents and a grandmother who believed that love always started with a pot on the stove. She taught me how to make biscuits without a recipe, how to know when cornbread is ready just by the sound it makes, and how to never waste a single vegetable from the garden. Those lessons stuck with me more than anything I ever read in a cookbook.

My path here wasn’t simple. I started as a server, sneaking glances into the kitchen whenever I could. Eventually, I found myself behind the line, sweating through long shifts, burning my fingers, and learning faster than I thought possible. Later, I studied culinary arts in New York, but I’ve always said the best training came from real kitchens, real mistakes, and real people who pushed me to keep going.

Today, my cooking is rooted in Southern tradition but shaped by everywhere I’ve traveled and everything I’ve tasted. I love the balance of smoky barbecue with bright citrus, the sweetness of honey paired with a kick of chili, and the way fresh herbs can lift even the simplest dish. Food, to me, is about contrast it should surprise you while still feeling like home.

I cook for people who want food that tells a story. I believe meals should connect us to memory, to family, to joy. It’s not about perfection or fancy plating it’s about sitting down, taking a bite, and feeling something.

If you’ve ever laughed around a messy kitchen table, licked barbecue sauce off your fingers, or found comfort in a bowl of soup on a hard day, then you already understand what my cooking is about. Welcome I can’t wait to share it with you.

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