French Butter Cookies – Experience the charm of French cuisine with these delectable French Butter Cookies. This easy yet delightful recipe combines the flavor of butter, with the sweetness of sugar resulting in a cookie that is perfect for any occasion. Created using ingredients like egg yolk, vanilla extract and all-purpose flour these cookies exemplify the timeless beauty of French baking.
The first time I prepared these French Butter Cookies it happened to be a rainy afternoon when I was seeking something to brighten up the day. The simplicity of the recipe immediately caught my attention. I can vividly recall how the kitchen filled with a fragrance of butter and vanilla as they baked in the oven. When they emerged golden and enticing I knew I had struck gold. Even my husband, who is usually critical about my cookie experiments gave his approval with a nod. Witnessing my child’s giggles as they took their initial bite instantly transformed these cookies into a beloved family favorite.
What makes this French Butter Cookies truly special?
These French Butter Cookies are not just a treat; they offer a journey into the essence of French baking. Each bite showcases their flavor that flawlessly blends the richness of butter, with the sweetness of sugar all enveloped within an irresistibly tender crumb texture. What sets them apart is their simplicity and adaptability. These delectable treats, created using kitchen ingredients exude an effortless elegance that’s sure to please both family members and guests. What’s more their exceptional ability to retain their freshness and deliciousness for, up to 5 days when stored appropriately makes them a superb make-ahead indulgence, for any gathering.
What You Need To Make This French Butter Cookies Recipe?
Butter: Butter is the heart ingredient, in this recipe. It’s important to ensure that it’s softened to room temperature with care. This step isn’t just technical; it’s about finding the consistency where the butter effortlessly blends with the sugar creating a base that’s both rich and light.
Powdered Sugar: To add sweetness to these cookies we use sugar. Remember to sift it it’s like giving the sugar a dance before combining it with the butter. This ensures there are no lumps resulting in sweetness in every bite.
Egg Yolk: The egg yolk plays a role in binding our cookies. It should be at room temperature so that it can effortlessly mix into the batter ensuring that each cookie has a touch of its goodness.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract provides a delightful flavor to your cookies. Just half a teaspoon adds sweetness to a secret note that brings joy to your taste buds.
All-Purpose Flour: Finally all-purpose flour acts, as the foundation of our cookie dough bringing all the ingredients together harmoniously. As you sift and incorporate it into the mixture imagine it as if you were weaving a blanket that lovingly envelops all the ingredients. This creates a dough that’s delightful to handle and work with.
Granulated Sugar (for coating): Think of this as the finishing touch. Rolling the dough in granulated sugar is more than a step; it’s, like adorning your cookies in a layer of sweet crystals. It provides a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the texture of the cookie.
Steps To Make French Butter Cookies:
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Step 1: Let’s start by making the dough. With excitement cream together the butter and powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy and light resembling a cloud. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, with care observing as the mixture harmoniously combines. Gently sift in the flour folding it in with each turn to bring the dough to life under your fingertips malleable.
Step 2: Next, let the dough rest comfortably in the refrigerator wrapped snugly for 20 minutes. Once chilled divide it into two portions. Shape each into logs. These logs then embark on an adventure in the freezer for 45 minutes.
Step 3: While waiting for the oven to preheat prepare for the final step. Roll each chilled log in granulated sugar, where every crystal sparkles like gems. Slice these logs into rounds and place them on a baking sheet; observe as they transform into a hue while baking.
Step 4: Lastly as they cool down experience magic – from tender and delicate to crispy and inviting. The first bite will be a journey – a crunch followed by melting goodness that will bring a smile to your face.
Tip:
One of the secrets, to achieving the texture and flavor in your French Butter Cookies is to give the dough time to chill properly. After you mix the dough it might be tempting to rush into baking. It’s important to be patient. Letting the dough chill for 20 minutes in the fridge allows the butter to firm up which helps prevent the cookies from spreading while they bake. Then giving them 45 minutes in the freezer solidifies the fats in the dough ensuring that when you slice and bake them your cookies maintain their shape and have that desired tender texture that melts in your mouth. This chilling process also enhances the flavors as they blend and deepen resulting in a more rounded buttery taste, with every bite. Remember, good things come to those who wait and this holds true for these cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use salted butter?
Certainly! You can use salted butter. Just make sure to exclude any salt that the recipe may require.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Definitely! If you wrap the dough properly it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator, before slicing and baking.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to add your mix-ins. Simply fold them gently into the dough after incorporating the flour.
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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!
