French Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
French Butter Cookies are delightfully rich and tender treats with a delicate crumb. These classic cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out cookies using cookie cutters.
- Step 5: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract when creaming the butter and sugar.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
- Try sprinkling coarse sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat slightly in a warm oven to restore their crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before rolling and baking helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents excessive spreading.
PrintFrench Butter Cookies Recipe
Classic French Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a crisp texture and subtle sweetness. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and egg yolks, these cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even blend and smooth dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes for the cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- 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 once fully cooled for best texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to maintain a tender crumb.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Optionally, you can add vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
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