Print

French Salted Butter Cookies – Easy Classic Galettes Bretonnes Recipe

French salted butter cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

Buttery, golden, and just a little bit salty, these classic French salted butter cookies (galettes bretonnes) are melt-in-your-mouth treats with a gentle crunch. Simple to make and deeply flavorful, they’re perfect for any occasion and bring a taste of Brittany to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 tbsp (125g) salted French butter, cold and diced
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, divided (1 for dough, 1 for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Extra sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the cold, diced salted butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Cream together with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Mix in 1 egg yolk and vanilla extract (if using). Beat until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low speed or by hand until just combined and a crumbly dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 2-3 times to bring it into a ball. If too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water.
  5. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch (6mm) thickness. Cut into rounds using a 2-inch (5-6cm) cutter. Gather scraps, re-roll, and repeat.
  8. Place cookies on the baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Beat the remaining egg yolk with 1 tsp water and brush each cookie with the egg wash. Optionally, score a crosshatch or lines on top with a fork.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden and tops are shiny. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
  10. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality French or European-style salted butter. Chilling the dough is essential for texture and shape. For extra shine, glaze the cookies twice. The cookies can be customized with citrus zest, dipped in chocolate, or made gluten-free with a 1:1 flour blend. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: French butter cookies, galettes bretonnes, salted butter cookies, French cookies, easy butter cookies, classic French dessert, Brittany cookies, tea cookies, holiday cookies, European cookies

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/french-salted-butter-cookies-easy-classic-galettes-bretonnes-recipe/