Mama's French Butter Cookies from Virginia Willis

Indulge in the buttery simplicity of *Mama's French Butter Cookies from Virginia Willis*, a timeless treat that combines classic French baking tradition with Southern charm. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour, elevated by a touch of pure vanilla and fine sea salt. Delicately crisp on the edges and tender in the center, they’re finished with an optional sprinkle of sanding sugar for a festive sparkle and texture. Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, these cookies are easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of prep time and bake to golden perfection in under 12 minutes. Whether for a celebratory gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, these homemade delights will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional, for decoration)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and egg yolk. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 6

Optional: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sanding sugar for added texture and sparkle.

Step 7

Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each ball of dough, creating a crisscross pattern.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers will still be pale.

Step 9

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(411.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1904.8

Total Fat 98.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 432.5mg	0%
Sodium 512.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 126.2g
Protein 19.2g	0%

Vitamin D 18.2IU	0%
Calcium 66.3mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 205.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 50.1%