Now, I know life can get busy, but trust me when I say these cookies are worth making. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a sweet treat for yourself. Plus, they only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. That’s right! No complicated steps here; just good old-fashioned baking that brings everyone together.
What I love most about these French Butter Cookies is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them as is, or get creative by adding your favorite flavors or toppings. Picture this: a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of chocolate, or maybe even some chopped nuts for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget how impressive they look when served on a platter. Your family and friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen (but we’ll keep that little secret between us!).
As we dive into this recipe, remember that cooking is all about having fun and making memories. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on these buttery delights! You’ll soon find that these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to create joyful moments with those you care about most.
How to Make French Butter Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted before measuring)
- 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Directions
- First things first! Grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Next up, add in the egg yolk along with the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s thoroughly combined—you want everything nicely blended.
- Now comes the fun part! Sift in the flour and gently fold it into the mixture until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; we want it just right!
- Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to chill. This will help with shaping later on.
- After chilling, take out the dough and divide it into two equal sections. Roll each portion into a log about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for around 45 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to slice later.
- While waiting, preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once your logs are nicely chilled, take them out of the freezer and roll them in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Slice each log into rounds approximately 3/8 inch thick and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake those beauties for about 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly!
- When done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Storing Suggestion
To keep your French Butter Cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to five days without losing their delightful flavor and texture. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for later enjoyment!
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to add some variety to this recipe, consider swapping out some of the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty flavor twist! Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature—it really helps achieve that creamy consistency when mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee! For an extra touch of elegance, serve them with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side. You could also dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for that café-style finish!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself short on an ingredient, don’t worry! You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine if needed. For those who may be avoiding eggs, you could try using applesauce instead—about ¼ cup should do the trick for binding!
Seasonal Variations
You can easily adapt these cookies based on seasonal ingredients! In autumn, why not add some pumpkin spice? Or during summer months, try incorporating lemon zest for a refreshing twist. These cookies can be a treat year-round!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand; however, it’s recommended to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe. Salted butter may alter the flavor slightly but will still yield delicious results.
How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?
The best way to check if your cookies are done is by looking for that lovely golden color around the edges. They might appear soft when you take them out of the oven but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in your fridge for up to three days or freeze it for several weeks. Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and baking.
What’s the best way to roll out my cookie dough logs?
The key is to apply even pressure as you roll! Start from one end and roll gently while rotating the log to maintain an even shape. If you find it’s sticking to your hands or work surface, lightly dust it
French Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar sifted before measuring
- 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for coating
Instructions
- Start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together. Use a spatula and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, turning a lovely pale color.
- Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely blended.
- Now it’s time to sift in the flour. Mix gently until you have a soft dough that comes together beautifully.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to chill.
- Once chilled, take the dough out and divide it into two equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a log shape about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Wrap the log-shaped dough in plastic and freeze it for 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 356°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- When the dough is ready, unwrap it and sprinkle some granulated sugar on a plate. Roll each log in the sugar until well coated.
- Slice the logs into 3/8 inch thick pieces and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden color.
- Once done, take them out but let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They’ll be soft right out of the oven but will crisp up as they cool.
- After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Store your cookies in an airtight jar, and enjoy them for up to 5 days.