French Butter Cookies
French butter cookies are rich, tender treats known for their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Ideal for any occasion, they can be enjoyed plain or with various add-ins for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Optional
- powdered sugar for dusting Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a log, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until firm.
Baking
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the cookie slices on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients. Experiment with flavors like citrus zest, nuts, or chocolate for variations. Chill the dough to maintain shape during baking.