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Crispy Salted Butter Cookies

crispy salted butter cookies - featured image

These crispy salted butter cookies are a nostalgic, buttery treat with a sparkling sugar crunch. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet snack any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup sparkling sanding sugar (for topping)
  • Extra sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Place salted butter in a mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully blended, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Form dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Lightly flour your counter. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes with a 2-inch cutter or glass rim, re-rolling scraps as needed. Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Brush tops lightly with water or beaten egg white. Sprinkle each cookie generously with sparkling sugar and, if desired, a pinch of sea salt flakes.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are set. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  10. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for best results. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For extra shine, brush cookies with egg white before adding sugar. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter cookies, crispy cookies, salted butter, sparkling sugar, easy cookies, holiday cookies, homemade cookies, classic cookies