Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Danish butter cookies are a timeless treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a cup of tea, these cookies are simple to make and truly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Step 2: Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until combined and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the salt, vanilla, and egg, then beat until well combined, about 1 minute more.
- Step 3: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour until mostly combined. Finish mixing by hand with a rubber spatula to ensure all flour is incorporated; the dough will be thick.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough to a decorating bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in 2-inch circles. Sprinkle each cookie lightly with granulated sugar.
- Step 5: Bake one pan at a time until the cookies are light golden brown, about 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
- Use a variety of piping tips to create different shapes and textures for your cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to pipe easily.
Storage
Store Danish butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw completely before serving. To refresh crispness, warm in a low oven for a few minutes before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid making the cookies too salty.
How do I make sure my cookies hold their shape while baking?
Make sure the dough is firm enough to pipe. Chilling the dough slightly before piping can help it maintain shape during baking.
Print
Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Danish Butter Cookies recipe yields crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are piped into delicate shapes and baked to a light golden perfection, then sprinkled with sugar for an extra sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and egg, and beat again until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour until the dough is mostly combined. Use a rubber spatula to give a final few stirs to fully incorporate the flour; expect the dough to be thick.
- Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough into 2-inch circles spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown color around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate or storage container.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Using a piping bag with a star tip creates the classic ridged shape typical of Danish butter cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can decorate with colored sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for variation.
- Make sure not to overbake; cookies should remain slightly soft in the center as they harden upon cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Keywords: Danish butter cookies, classic butter cookies, homemade cookies, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies, Christmas cookies
