French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Discover the exquisite taste of French Salted Butter Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter with a touch of sea salt for an unforgettable flavor.

Jenna Rowland

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:14:56.348Z

These French Salted Butter Cookies, known as 'Sablés,' are a classic French treat that will transport you to a quaint Parisian café. The buttery richness combined with a hint of salt creates a perfect balance, making these cookies irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

French Salted Butter Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet and salty flavors that elevate your snacking experience. The use of high-quality butter not only enriches the taste but also provides a creamy texture that is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance where the sweetness of the sugars meets the subtle salinity of flaky sea salt, creating a harmony that keeps you coming back for more.

This unique combination makes these cookies suitable for various occasions, whether you are enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a festive gathering. Their elegant presentation and sophisticated flavor profile make them a perfect addition to any dessert table, impressing guests and family alike.

A Versatile Treat for Every Occasion

One of the most appealing aspects of French Salted Butter Cookies is their versatility. They can be dressed up with chocolate drizzles or left plain for a more traditional approach. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even spices such as cinnamon to the dough, allowing you to customize them to suit your preferences.

These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, afternoon tea, or as a sweet gift for loved ones. Their delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an ideal treat for both casual and formal events, ensuring they will be a hit no matter the occasion.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sea salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious French Salted Butter Cookies!

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Storage and Freshness

To keep your French Salted Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy them over several days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookie dough logs. They can be frozen for up to three months, and you can slice and bake them straight from the freezer—no thawing necessary.

If you prefer soft cookies, store them with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. However, if you enjoy a crispier texture, store them without any moisture-retaining items. This way, you can tailor the storage method to your preference.

Pairing Suggestions

French Salted Butter Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic pairing, enjoy them with a cup of rich coffee or a steaming cup of tea. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, while tea can offer a soothing balance.

For a more adventurous pairing, try serving these cookies with a glass of dessert wine or a fruit-infused sparkling water. The effervescence enhances the flavors of the cookies and adds a refreshing twist to your treat time.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added sea salt to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough logs for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

→ What can I serve these cookies with?

They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk!

French Salted Butter Cookies: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Discover the exquisite taste of French Salted Butter Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter with a touch of sea salt for an unforgettable flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Jenna Rowland

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  6. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  7. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  8. Flaky sea salt for topping

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sea salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 03

Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 05

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious French Salted Butter Cookies!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g