Danish Butter Cookies are a classic treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, crumbly texture. Often associated with the iconic blue tin, these cookies are a favorite during the holidays but can be enjoyed year-round. Their simple yet indulgent taste makes them a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.
- Deliciously Buttery – The rich, buttery flavor makes these cookies irresistible.
- Crisp Yet Tender – They have the perfect balance of crispness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable Shapes – Easily piped or shaped into rings, swirls, or classic round cookies.
- Perfect for Gifting – These cookies store well and make a wonderful homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla – Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies – Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in swirls or rings. If the dough is too thick to pipe, add a small amount of milk to soften it.
- Bake – Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped – Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Coconut Flavor – Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a subtle tropical taste.
- Lemon Zest – Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a citrusy touch.
- Almond Extract – Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle Topping – Decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive look.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigeration: Not necessary, but can extend freshness slightly.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
How do I make the dough easier to pipe?
If the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before piping.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too much butter or insufficient chilling can cause spreading. Ensure proper ingredient ratios and chill the dough if necessary.
Can I use a different piping tip?
Yes, a large round or star tip works best, but any tip can be used depending on your preferred shape.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
Bake them a minute or two longer until the edges are deeply golden brown.
What is the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
Place them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers to prevent breakage.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can be mixed into the dough for added texture.
What is the difference between Danish butter cookies and shortbread?
Danish butter cookies are slightly sweeter and crisper, while shortbread has a denser, crumbly texture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed, though the taste may differ.
Conclusion
Danish Butter Cookies are a timeless classic with a delicate, buttery flavor and crisp texture. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, given as a gift, or simply baked for a treat, they are always a delightful choice. With easy variations and storage options, these cookies are a must-try for any home baker.
Print
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
These classic Danish butter cookies are rich, buttery, and crisp, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate swirl shape. Perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt.
- Add flour: Gradually mix in flour and milk until smooth.
- Pipe cookies: Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe swirls onto the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Cool & serve: Let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- If the dough is too stiff, add a little more milk.
- Dip in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish