Delightfully Decadent French Butter Cookies: A Sweet Indulgence

Indulge in the divine delight of French Butter Cookies, a treat that combines the richness of butter with the delicate sweetness of powdered sugar. These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla essence that elevates them to irresistible perfection. Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a midnight snack, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

In our cozy household, these French Butter Cookies have become a cherished tradition, eagerly awaited by both my husband and our little ones. I still remember the first time I made them on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the aroma of butter and vanilla wafting through the kitchen, drawing my family to gather around. From that moment on, it became a regular request – “Can we have those delicious butter cookies again?” Whether enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of coffee or snuck as a midnight treat, these cookies have woven themselves into the fabric of our family memories, bringing joy with every bite.

Why This Recipe Is Special:

Savor the simplicity of French Butter Cookies, crafted with love and care using basic pantry ingredients. With their buttery richness and delicate sweetness, these cookies offer a taste of indulgence in every bite. The subtle crunch of granulated sugar coating adds a delightful contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them irresistible to cookie lovers of all ages.

Ingredients:

• 113 grams (1/2 cup) butter, softened to room temperature
• 60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, sifted before measuring
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 135 grams (1 1/8 cups) all-purpose or cake flour
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, for coating the shaped dough before baking

Directions:

1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until pale and light in texture.
2. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Sift in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll each into a log shape of approximately 4 inches (10cm) in length and 1 inch (3cm) in diameter.
6. Wrap the log shapes separately in plastic wrap and freeze for 45 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) (160°C fan) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking silicone mat.
8. Remove the dough from the freezer and unwrap.
9. Sprinkle granulated sugar onto a tray or large plate and roll each log-shaped dough in the sugar to coat evenly.
10. Cut each log into slices approximately ⅜ inch (1 cm) thick and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.

Notes: For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract to the dough for extra flavor depth. These cookies can also be frozen after baking and cooled, then thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy.