Some recipes remind us that the best things are often the simplest.
French salted butter cookies have long been a staple in French kitchens, prized for their rich buttery flavor, delicate texture, and ability to turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something memorable. They're the kind of cookie that feels equally at home alongside an afternoon cup of tea, packed into a picnic basket, or offered to guests after dinner.
What makes them special isn't complexity—it's quality.
Butter takes center stage, supported by little more than flour, sugar, eggs, and sea salt. When each ingredient has room to shine, choosing the right ones matters. That's why we love baking these cookies with French sea salt. The subtle mineral flavor balances the sweetness and enhances the richness of the butter, creating a cookie that's elegant without trying too hard.
Whether you're stocking your pantry or looking for a simple weekend baking project, these cookies are worth keeping in your repertoire.
French Salted Butter Cookies
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 Minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 Cookies
Calories: Approximately 85 Calories Per Cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup French salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened French salted butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour. Mix only until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps maintain the cookies' delicate texture.
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Using a fork, gently press a crisscross pattern into the tops, flattening them slightly.
Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Few Ways We Love to Serve Them
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea
- Coffee after dinner
- Fresh summer berries
- Homemade preserves
- A simple afternoon spent on the porch
They also make a thoughtful hostess gift when wrapped in a linen tea towel and tied with ribbon.
Why French Sea Salt Matters
Sea salt harvested along the French coast has been treasured for generations. Unlike ordinary table salt, it retains trace minerals that contribute both flavor and texture. A finishing sprinkle adds a delicate crunch and subtle complexity that transforms simple baked goods into something truly special.
It's one of those pantry staples we reach for constantly—not only in baking, but also on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, fresh tomatoes, and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
At Runner Duck, we believe that small details elevate everyday moments. A well-made cookie, a beautiful tea towel, a favorite mug, and a quality sea salt can turn an ordinary afternoon into something worth lingering over.
Shop the Ingredients
Looking to recreate these cookies at home? Start with our French Sea Salt, one of our favorite pantry essentials for cooking, baking, and everyday entertaining.