Name: French Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-488376H23M14S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature; ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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These French Butter Cookies are a perfect little indulgence—rich, buttery, and delicately sweet. I love how they melt in the mouth with every bite, offering that crisp-tender texture that only real butter can deliver. Whether I’m baking for a holiday tray or just want something special to go with my afternoon coffee, these cookies never fail to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe for its elegance and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, I get a cookie that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian patisserie. They’re light, not overly sweet, and the buttery flavor shines through beautifully. Plus, they store well and make charming gifts—if I can resist eating them all myself. French Butter Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

I start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer.
I add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually, I mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. I try not to overwork it so the cookies stay tender.
I shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to slice.
Once chilled, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. I let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20 cookies.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Lemon zest: I love adding a bit of finely grated lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Chocolate dipped: I dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
Almond extract: Replacing the vanilla with almond extract gives the cookies a deeper, nuttier aroma.
Sugar topping: Before baking, I sometimes sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a slight crunch.
Sandwich style: I pair them with jam or chocolate ganache in between for a filled cookie version.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well—once cooled, I place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. I let them come to room temperature before serving. There’s no need to reheat them.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, I can, but I usually reduce or skip the added pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps solidify the butter so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. It also makes slicing easier and cleaner.

Can I roll and cut these with cookie cutters?

The dough is soft, so I prefer slicing it from a log. But if I chill it well and roll it between parchment, I can use cookie cutters.

How do I keep them from overbaking?

I keep a close eye on the edges. Once they’re just starting to turn golden, I take them out—they’ll continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.

Are these cookies supposed to be crunchy or soft?

They have a crisp edge and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. If I want them crunchier, I bake them a minute or two longer.

Conclusion

French Butter Cookies are a lovely reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most elegant treats. With their soft, buttery texture and delicate flavor, these cookies bring a little Parisian charm into my kitchen every time I bake them. Whether I’m sharing them with friends or savoring one with tea, they always bring joy to the moment.