Description
Danish butter cookies invite sweet memories with their golden, melt-in-your-mouth crunch. Crisp, delicate circles promise simple elegance that connects generations through one perfectly buttery bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
Flavor and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Decorations:
- Sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft a velvety dough by whipping softened butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Introduce egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Gently fold in flour and salt, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges without overmixing, which could result in tough cookies.
- Chill the prepared dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and improve texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Select your preferred shaping method: use a piping bag with a decorative star tip for elegant swirled cookies, or roll dough into small spheres and gently press with a fork to create classic crosshatch patterns.
- Sprinkle sanding sugar or decorative elements atop the unbaked cookies for a sophisticated touch.
- Position cookies with slight spacing on prepared baking sheets to allow for minimal spreading during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until edges transform into a delicate golden hue.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, optionally embellish with a chocolate drizzle or dip for an indulgent finale.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without overmixing.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, most delicate flavor profile.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges.
- Create gluten-free variations by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- Control cookie thickness by using a uniform piping technique or consistent rolling method for even baking.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or ground spices like cinnamon to the base recipe.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg