French Salted Butter Cookies

Name: French Salted Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486016H50M16S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) salted butter, room temperature (preferably European-style); 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar; 2 large egg yolks; 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: a pinch of flaky sea salt for topping

Posted on May 28, 2025

Easy French Salted Butter Cookies Recipe with Sea Salt – Buttery & Crisp

Dessert

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If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with just the right hint of salt, you’re going to fall hard for these French Salted Butter Cookies (aka Sablés Bretons). They’re crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and boast that irresistible sweet-salty balance that makes you reach for “just one more.” Perfect for an afternoon tea, holiday cookie tray, or a simple weeknight indulgence, these cookies are deceptively easy to make yet taste like a bakery-level treat straight from the coast of Brittany.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These French Salted Butter Cookies are everything a great cookie should be—crisp, crumbly, and rich with flavor. The secret lies in the salted butter, which adds a touch of savoriness to balance the sweetness, making each bite extra special. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, forgiving, and foolproof. No fancy tools or ingredients needed—just classic French charm in cookie form.

Ingredients

You don’t need a long shopping list to whip up these irresistible cookies. Just a handful of high-quality ingredients come together to create that classic French flavor and crumbly, buttery texture. Be sure to use good salted butter—it’s the star of the show!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup (225g) salted butter, room temperature (preferably European-style)
2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: a pinch of flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

Making these French Salted Butter Cookies is a breeze! The dough comes together in minutes, and after a quick chill, you’re just a bake away from buttery bliss. Follow these simple steps:

Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the salted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add egg yolks and vanilla:
Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate the flour:
Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—you want tender cookies!
Chill the dough:
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This step is key for the best texture.
Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll and cut:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Optional sea salt finish:
If you like, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are just golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

These French Salted Butter Cookies are just the right size for nibbling, gifting, or serving alongside a warm drink. The recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on your cutter size.

Here’s a quick timing breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to tweak these French Salted Butter Cookies to suit your taste or occasion? Here are some fun and easy ideas to mix things up:

No salted butter? Use unsalted and add ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt to the dough.
Citrus twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, fresh note.
Dipped delight: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate and let them set for an elegant finish.
Nutty crunch: Press a halved almond or pistachio into the center of each cookie before baking.
Holiday flair: Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar for a festive look.

Storage

These cookies store beautifully, which makes them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.

Here’s how to keep them tasting their best:

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful.
Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Freezing the Dough:
You can also freeze the unbaked dough (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes! Just add ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt to the dough.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes—chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze for longer.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough. Make sure it’s cold before rolling and baking.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Use a round cookie cutter and avoid over-flouring the surface when rolling.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just chill the dough in two disks for easier handling.

Conclusion

French Salted Butter Cookies are the kind of treat that never goes out of style—simple, elegant, and ridiculously delicious. With their golden edges, buttery crumb, and a hint of sea salt, they’re a little taste of France in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting a homemade treat, or just craving something special with your coffee, these cookies check every box.