Name: French Salted Bitter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup French unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (plus 1 yolk for egg wash); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp sea salt; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

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Introduction

These French Salted Bitter Cookies offer a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, complemented by a tender, buttery crumb. Perfect for an elegant tea time or a sophisticated snack, their crisp edges and soft centers make them truly irresistible.

A white round plate holds a stack of small round cookies with a golden-brown color. Each cookie has a ridged pattern on top with a glossy, slightly shiny surface. The cookies are arranged closely together, slightly overlapping one another. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred cup and saucer in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup French unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (plus 1 yolk for egg wash)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened French butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, ensuring all sugar crystals are dissolved for a smooth base.
Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is cohesive and glossy.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the baking powder and seasoning.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 7: Use a fluted round cookie cutter to stamp out discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space for minimal spreading.
Step 8: Brush the tops of each cookie with the reserved egg yolk for a beautiful shine. Using a fork, gently score a crisscross pattern on each cookie top.
Step 9: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and firm to the touch.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for extra flavor contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of softened butter before mixing.
If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar by 2 tablespoons.
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Use coarse sea salt flakes on top for a more noticeable salty crunch.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, avoid storing them with any moist foods. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes if needed to refresh the crisp texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate filled with golden-brown cookies that have a crisscross pattern on top. Each cookie is shiny, indicating a light glaze, and they are stacked closely together on the plate. The cookies have a smooth and slightly ridged texture with a uniform round shape. The background features a white marbled surface with a blurred white cup and saucer in the back, adding a cozy kitchen feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level precisely. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added sea salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough thoroughly helps maintain cookie shape during baking. Also, rolling the dough to the recommended thickness and spacing the cookies sufficiently on the baking tray reduces spreading.