Name: French Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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why make this recipe

French Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are simple to make and require only a few basic ingredients. The cookies have a rich buttery flavor and a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you are enjoying them with a cup of tea or giving them as gifts, they are sure to please everyone.

how to make French Butter Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined.
Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve French Butter Cookies

Serve French Butter Cookies on a nice plate, either plain or dusted with a little more powdered sugar. They make a lovely dessert or snack at any gathering. Pair them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

how to store French Butter Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and they can last for up to three months.

tips to make French Butter Cookies

Make sure the butter is softened, not melted. This helps achieve the right texture.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. This keeps the cookies light and tender.
Try to flatten the cookies evenly for consistent baking.

variation

For added flavor, consider including a pinch of salt or some lemon zest in the dough. You can also dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate once they are cooled for a tasty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly to balance the taste.

2. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet.

3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to add too much, or it may change the cookies’ structure.