Rich, buttery French Butter Cookies with just five simple ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla. Perfectly melt-in-your-mouth!
It’s funny how some recipes have a way of transporting you, isn’t it? French butter cookies do that for me every single time. The first time I tasted them, I was sitting in a tiny café on a side street in Paris. I’d just ordered an espresso, thinking I’d look like one of those chic Parisians who seem to have their lives together. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. But that buttery little cookie that came with my coffee? Pure perfection.
Back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about that cookie. It was simple but so good, like it had a little bit of magic baked into it. I knew I had to figure out how to make them myself. After a few (okay, several) attempts—and one batch that looked more like pancakes—I landed on this recipe.
What I love about these cookies is that they’re fancy without being fussy. You only need five ingredients, and the process is so simple, even my kids love helping. Well, mostly they love rolling the dough in sugar and eating the cookies before I’ve had a chance to plate them.
These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a little bit of Paris on a plate. Whether you’re serving them with coffee, packing them as a gift, or just sneaking one after dinner, they always feel special.
Why You’ll Love This French Butter Cookies Recipe?
- Simple Ingredients: Just butter, sugar, flour, egg yolk, and vanilla. That’s it!
- Rich and Buttery: These cookies melt in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp on the edges, tender in the middle—cookie heaven.
- Great for Any Occasion: Fancy enough for a holiday platter but easy enough for a Tuesday afternoon.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down what makes these cookies so irresistible:
- Butter: The star of the show! Use good-quality, unsalted butter—it really makes a difference. Softened butter is easier to cream and gives these cookies their signature texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift it before mixing to avoid any pesky lumps. It adds sweetness without making the cookies too dense.
- Egg Yolk: Just one yolk makes the dough rich and holds everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: Go for the real deal here. The subtle vanilla flavor enhances the buttery goodness.
- Flour: All-purpose or cake flour works well. Cake flour makes the cookies a touch more delicate, so choose based on your preference.
- Granulated Sugar: Rolling the dough in sugar gives the cookies a crispy, sparkly edge.
How To Make French Butter Cookies?
Making these cookies is easier than you’d think. Just follow these steps:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by mixing softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. I use a spatula, but if you’ve got a hand mixer, even better. It should look almost like whipped cream when you’re done. - Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. This is when your dough starts to smell like something magical is happening. - Mix in the Flour
Sift the flour into the butter mixture and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—it’s a cookie, not bread dough! - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 20 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and makes rolling them out way easier. - Shape and Freeze
Divide the dough into two logs, each about 4 inches long. Wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for 45 minutes. Freezing makes slicing super simple and gives the cookies their neat, round shape. - Slice, Coat, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough logs in granulated sugar, then slice into ⅜-inch rounds. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet (leave a little space—they spread just a bit). Bake for 15–18 minutes, until they’re golden around the edges. - Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t rush this step.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to five days. They’ll stay crisp and buttery.
- Freezer: Freeze the dough logs for up to three months. Just slice and bake straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to add your own flair? Here are some ideas:
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Chocolate Dip: Once cooled, dip the cookies in melted dark or white chocolate for a fancy twist.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, cozy vibe.
- Nutty Coating: Roll the dough in finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) instead of sugar for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Easy and just as delicious!
What to Serve with French Butter Cookies?
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with something special can elevate the experience:
- Coffee or Espresso: The buttery richness of the cookies is perfect with a strong cup of coffee.
- Tea: Try them with Earl Grey or chamomile for a soothing treat.
- Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of berry compote for a tangy contrast.
- Cheese Plate: Believe it or not, these cookies pair beautifully with creamy brie or goat cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps them hold their shape.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but skip the added pinch of salt to keep the flavors balanced.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—it’s a lifesaver.
French Butter Cookies are the ultimate simple-yet-special treat. They’re buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a few with your morning coffee, they’re guaranteed to make you smile. So, what do you think—are you ready to whip up a batch? Let me know how they turn out, and don’t forget to share your favorite tweaks or toppings!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
French Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ c butter softened to room temperature
- ½ c powdered sugar sifted before measuring
- 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅛ c all-purpose or cake flour
- ¼ c granulated sugar for coating the shaped dough before baking
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Start by mixing the butter and powdered sugar until they become pale and light.
- Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract blending them together.
- Sift in the flour. Mix everything until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two pieces.
- Take each piece. Roll it into a log that's approximately 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
Freeze the Logs:
- Wrap each log with plastic wrap and put them in the freezer for around 45 minutes.
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to a temperature of 356°F (180°C or 160°C fan).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Remove the plastic wrap from each log then roll them in granulated sugar.
- Slice each log into rounds that are about an inch thick.
- Place these slices on your prepared baking sheet then bake them for approximately 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Cooling Process:
- Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven.
- Transfer them onto a cooling rack to cool down completely.
Storing Instructions:
- Once cooled you can store your cookies in an airtight container for, up to five days.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
