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French Butter Cookies

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4.1 from 42 reviews

These French Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and delicately sweet with a crisp-tender texture. Perfectly suited for pairing with tea or coffee, they bring a touch of Parisian charm to your kitchen. Ideal for gifting, holidays, or a simple everyday indulgence, these cookies are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar: Cream the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together using a mixer for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
  2. Add flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated, which enhances the cookie’s taste.
  3. Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the delicate texture.
  4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  6. Slice the dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Space them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
  7. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, watching closely for the edges to just start turning golden brown.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing to ensure they set perfectly and maintain their crisp-tender texture.

Notes

  • Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
  • Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
  • Substitute almond extract for vanilla to introduce a nutty flavor.
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking to add subtle texture.
  • Create sandwich cookies using jam or ganache for extra indulgence.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/french-butter-cookies/