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French Salted Butter Cookies

Classic buttery French cookies with crisp edges, delicate texture, and flaky sea salt topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup salted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp flaky sea salt for topping
Egg Wash
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream salted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms. Add cream if needed.
  6. Wrap dough and chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
  8. Place cookies on baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  9. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
  10. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality European-style salted butter for the richest flavor and best texture.