8 French Cookies That Will Have You Booking A Trip To Paris
French cookies are proof that you don’t need a passport to eat like you’re strolling the streets of Paris. These sweet little show-offs are crisp, chewy, buttery—or sometimes all three—and they somehow feel fancy without a ton of effort. You’ll find plenty that are easy to whip up, even if you don’t own a single beret. Once you taste a few, it’s hard not to start pricing flights or at least pretending your kitchen is a sidewalk café. Fair warning: store-bought just won’t cut it after this.
Salted Caramel Macarons
These salted caramel macarons are crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy center and rich caramel filling. The balance of sweet and salty makes them hard to resist. With clear step-by-step instructions, this recipe is great even for beginners. Try them when you want something that feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Macarons
Chocolate Madeleines
Chocolate madeleines have a soft, tender crumb and a deep cocoa flavor that’s not too sweet. Slightly crisp edges give them just the right texture. Since they’re small, they’re easy to snack on or serve with coffee. They’re one of the most recognizable French cookies and for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Madeleines
French Cookies
These crunchy, golden cookies come from Southeast Kansas but were inspired by generations of French baking. Each family adds their own take, and this version keeps it simple and crisp. You’ll need a special iron, but once you have it, the recipe comes together quickly. They’re perfect if you’re looking to explore more traditional French cookies.
Get the Recipe: French Cookies
Lemon Lavender Sable Cookies
These sable cookies mix buttery richness with floral and citrus notes for something light and refreshing. The lavender adds a gentle aroma without being overwhelming. A simple glaze brings everything together. They’re a great choice for warm-weather gatherings or afternoon tea.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lavender Sable Cookies
Choux Au Craquelin
Choux au Craquelin has a crisp outer shell and a soft, airy inside filled with pastry cream. The crackled top gives it a nice crunch with each bite. While it may look fancy, the instructions break it down clearly. It’s a fun way to try something new in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Choux Au Craquelin
French Butter Cookies (Palets Bretons)
These thick cookies are rich with salted butter and have a crumbly texture that melts easily in your mouth. With just five ingredients, they’re fast to prepare and hard to mess up. You can enjoy them as-is or use them as a base for other desserts. They’re one of the easiest French cookies to get just right.
Get the Recipe: French Butter Cookies (Palets Bretons)
How to Make Meringue
These meringue cookies are crisp on the outside and airy inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. The method is simple, and once you learn the basics, you can make all kinds of variations. This recipe brings back old-school bakery vibes with giant, dollar-sized cookies. It’s a great way to learn a classic.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Meringue
French Toast Cookie
These cookies taste like your favorite French toast, with cinnamon sugar and a buttery texture throughout. They’re chewy in the center and golden around the edges. Perfect with coffee or on their own, they hit that sweet spot between breakfast and dessert. They also freeze well, so you can bake ahead.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Cookie
