Description
These French Salted Bitter Cookies are a delightful blend of rich, unsalted French butter, a touch of sea salt, and a subtle bitterness that balances sweetness perfectly. With a crisp texture and a tender crumb, these cookies feature a beautiful crisscross pattern and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, making them an elegant treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
For Finishing
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: 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 fully dissolved to create a smooth base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the whole egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated and the batter achieves a cohesive and glossy texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix to maintain tenderness in the cookies.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up, facilitating easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat and Roll: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness for optimal cookie texture.
- Cut and Arrange: Using a fluted round cookie cutter, stamp out discs from the dough. Place each cookie disc onto a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them to allow minimal spreading.
- Egg Wash and Score: Brush the tops of each cookie with the reserved egg yolk to create a shiny finish. Using a fork, gently score a crisscross pattern on the surface for a classic French look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until they are golden around the edges and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Use unsalted French butter for the best authentic flavor and control over saltiness.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to achieve the ideal texture.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven to avoid over-browning.
- Flaky sea salt on top is optional but recommended for a delightful salty crunch that contrasts the sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French cookies, salted cookies, butter cookies, crunchy cookies, flaky sea salt, homemade cookies, dessert, French baking
