French Salted Butter Cookies – Buttery, Crisp & Irresistible

French Salted Butter Cookies are a classic treat that combines rich, creamy butter with just the right touch of sea salt. Perfect for tea time, gifting, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are crisp, buttery, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees perfect cookies every time.

Ingredients

• Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • Optional: coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add flour and fine sea salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
6. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt if desired.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Coarse sea salt on top enhances the buttery flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Sugar: 7g

French Salted Butter Cookies

Delicate, buttery French cookies with a hint of sea salt—perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Baking, French

Calories: 95

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.25 tsp additional sea salt for sprinkling on top

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and sea salt until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each cookie slightly and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can use fleur de sel for sprinkling. These cookies are perfect with coffee or tea.