Sometimes you just need something warm and buttery to enjoy. These French butter cookies are the perfect treat for a quiet afternoon. They have a delicate, sandy texture that melts in your mouth instantly. You only need a few pantry staples to get started right now.
These cookies are wonderful for the winter holiday season. They make your kitchen smell like a professional French bakery. Your family will love the simple, sweet flavor of every bite. Let’s get baking these delicious French butter cookies together today.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it uses basic ingredients you already have. It is perfect for busy holiday evenings when you need a quick gift. The texture is sturdy yet crumbly, making them great for cookie exchanges. Your friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
These cookies are not overly sweet, which makes them very sophisticated. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Kids love the golden, shiny tops and the fun fork patterns. You can easily double the batch for a large crowd.
Simple Method
Making these cookies is a very straightforward and stress-free process. You simply cream the butter, mix the dough, and roll it. Chilling the dough is the secret to perfect rounds every time. Even beginner bakers can achieve great results with this method. You will feel like a pro once you see the golden edges.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies rely on high-quality butter for their amazing flavor.
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon milk (for glaze)
Step-by-Step
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamed butter.
- Sift the flour and salt into the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a log approximately 5 centimeters in diameter, wrap in plastic, and chill for 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough log into 1-centimeter thick rounds.
- Place rounds on the baking tray and brush with a mixture of the second egg yolk and milk.
- Score the tops with a fork and bake for 12 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these golden rounds with a steaming mug of cocoa. They look beautiful arranged on a white ceramic platter. Pair them with some fresh winter citrus for a bright contrast. You can also pack them into small tins for neighbors. These cookies are the ultimate comfort food for snowy days.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. You can also freeze the raw dough log for later use. Just thaw it in the fridge before slicing and baking. To refresh them, place in a 300°F oven for three minutes. This brings back that freshly baked crunch perfectly.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the one-hour chilling time for the dough.
- Avoid overworking the dough to keep the texture light and sandy.
- Use the best butter available as it is the main flavor.
- Apply the egg wash thinly for a delicate, shiny finish.
- For Christmas, add a tiny sprinkle of sparkling sugar on top.
- Score the tops gently with a fork to create traditional patterns.
- Rotate your baking sheet halfway through for an even golden color.
- Let them cool completely before moving to a storage container.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add fresh lemon zest for a bright, summery flavor profile.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted dark chocolate.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these wheat-free.
- Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty, festive aroma.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can keep the dough log in the fridge for three days. This makes it perfect for holiday prep when you are busy. Just slice and bake whenever you are ready for treats.
Why did my cookies lose their shape?
This usually happens if the dough was too warm before baking. Make sure the log is firm to the touch after chilling. If it feels soft, put it back in the freezer for ten minutes.
Will my kids enjoy these?
Kids absolutely love these because they are simple and crunchy. They are the perfect size for small hands to hold. They are also excellent for dunking into a cold glass of milk.
I hope these golden treats bring a little extra warmth to your winter. They are so simple to make and even better to share. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 250 g all -purpose flour
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamed butter.
- Sift the flour and salt into the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a log approximately 5 centimeters in diameter, wrap in plastic, and chill for 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough log into 1-centimeter thick rounds.
- Place rounds on the baking tray and brush with a mixture of the second egg yolk and milk.
- Score the tops with a fork and bake for 12 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
