Description
These French butter cookies are rich, crisp, and melt in your mouth! Made with just five simple ingredients, they’re a classic treat that’s elegant, easy, and perfect with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened to room temperature (see Note 1)
½ cup powdered sugar, sifted before measuring
1 egg yolk, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose or cake flour (see Note 2)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating shaped dough before baking)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar using a spatula until pale and light in texture.
Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Sift in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Refrigerate the Dough (1st Chill):
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm it up.
3. Shape and Freeze the Dough (2nd Chill):
Divide dough into 2 pieces and roll each into a log approx. 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 inch (3 cm) in diameter.
Wrap logs in plastic wrap and freeze for 45 minutes until firm.
4. Roll in Sugar, Slice, and Bake:
Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C) (or 160°C fan).
Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
Roll the frozen dough logs in ¼ cup granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Slice into ⅜-inch (1 cm) thick rounds and place on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden at the edges.
5. Cool and Store:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Once completely cool, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Butter: Use unsalted or salted butter. If using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the flour. Butter should be soft (out of the fridge for at least 1 hour) for easy mixing and to avoid overworking the dough.
Flour: Use cake flour or all-purpose/plain flour. Do not use self-rising flour, as it alters the texture.
Chilling is essential for the dough to stay firm and easy to work with. If dough becomes too soft, return it to the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
These cookies are great for gifting or holiday cookie trays thanks to their shape, texture, and shelf-life.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: French
