Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth — these French Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for tea time, holidays, or everyday indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic French Flavor – Buttery, rich, and perfectly sweet.

• Beautiful Presentation – Piped into elegant swirls or shapes.

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Soft yet crisp at the edges.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for tea, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cornstarch.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step 6: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls or desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 7: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the piped cookies for a light crunch.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

• Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing flavor.

• Holiday Touch: Sprinkle with festive colored sugar before baking.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.

2. Do I need a piping bag?
Not necessarily. You can roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork if you prefer a simpler shape.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked piped cookies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

4. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough for 15 minutes before piping if necessary.

Final Thoughts

These French Butter Cookies are rich, elegant, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, they’re the ultimate treat for tea time, holidays, or gifting. One bite, and they’ll be your new favorite!