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French Butter Cookies Recipe

French Butter Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delicate French butter cookies melt with buttery elegance, showcasing classic Parisian simplicity. Crisp edges and rich flavor invite sweet memories, promising a delightful crunch you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Combine softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, whipping until the mixture achieves a pillowy, aerated consistency.
  2. Incorporate egg yolk and vanilla essence, stirring until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
  3. Gradually fold in flour and salt, gently mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive dough mass.
  4. Compress the dough into a compact disk, encase completely in plastic membrane, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, permitting the gluten to relax and flavors to meld.
  5. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing baking surfaces with parchment paper to prevent adherence.
  6. Transfer the chilled dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, carefully rolling to approximately quarter-inch thickness.
  7. Utilize a circular cookie cutter to extract precise shapes, positioning each delicate round onto the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
  8. For an enhanced aesthetic, delicately brush cookie surfaces with a whisked egg yolk glaze, creating a lustrous golden finish.
  9. Position the tray in the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until edges transform into a pale, burnished golden tone.
  10. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then meticulously transfer to a cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without overmixing.
  • Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp, delicate cookie edges during baking.
  • Use high-quality European-style butter for authentic rich, buttery flavor and superior texture.
  • Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or rolling in fine sugar before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg