These French Salted Butter Cookies are crisp on the edges, soft inside, and rich with deep buttery flavor. Inspired by traditional French sablés, these cookies use real salted butter to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that Americans love during fall, winter, and holiday baking season. If you enjoy elegant European treats or cozy gourmet baking, these cookies belong in your favorites list.
This recipe ranks incredibly well on Pinterest because it blends premium French bakery style with simple, minimal ingredients — the perfect combination for holiday boards. If you’re building a winter dessert collection, pair these with seasonal favorites like Gingerbread Brownies and the ultra-soft Whipped Shortbread Cookies.
Why These French Salted Butter Cookies Go Viral
- Rich, gourmet flavor thanks to real salted butter.
- Elegant French bakery look — Perfect for Pinterest aesthetic boards.
- Minimal ingredients — simple and easy.
- Holiday magic — perfect for Christmas baking and gifting.
- Clean white marble photography boosts saves + algorithm visibility.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Cream the salted butter and sugar until smooth and pale.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla.
- Add flour and mix until dough forms.
- Shape into a log, wrap, and chill 1 hour.
- Slice into rounds and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11–12 minutes until edges are golden.
Tips for Perfect Salted Butter Cookies
- Use European or French-style butter for richer flavor.
- Chill the dough fully for cleaner edges.
- Slice evenly for perfect bakery-style rounds.
- Add citrus zest for a festive twist.
Pair These Cookies With More Cozy Recipes
These cookies pair beautifully with cozy holiday recipes like Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log, warm winter desserts like Maple Cookies with Brown Sugar, or simple treats like Snickerdoodle Cookies. If you’re hosting a winter dinner, consider adding these crisp treats after serving comforting meals like Cozy Vegetable Soup.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the dough for proper flavor balance.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely — freeze up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen.
Why are my cookies spreading?
The dough was too warm. Chill before slicing and again before baking.
Conclusion
These French Salted Butter Cookies combine elegance, simplicity, and exceptional flavor. They’re perfect for Christmas baking, gifting, cozy winter nights, and any moment that calls for buttery comfort. Save this recipe to your Holiday Baking and French Desserts boards — it’s a guaranteed favorite.
Print
French Salted Butter Cookies (Crisp, Buttery & Bakery-Style)
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Salted Butter Cookies are crisp on the edges, soft inside, and rich with deep buttery flavor. Inspired by traditional French sablés, these cookies use real salted butter to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that Americans love during fall, winter, and holiday baking season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Cream the salted butter and sugar until smooth and pale.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla.
- Add flour and mix until dough forms.
- Shape into a log, wrap, and chill 1 hour.
- Slice into rounds and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11–12 minutes until edges are golden.
Notes
Use European or French-style butter for richer flavor. Chill the dough fully for cleaner edges. Slice evenly for perfect bakery-style rounds. Add citrus zest for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: French cookies, salted butter cookies, holiday baking, sablés, Christmas cookies