Danish butter cookies are a traditional treat known for their crisp texture, rich buttery flavor, and delicate sweetness. Often enjoyed during holidays or with tea, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make at home. With the right technique, you can recreate the classic bakery-style cookies in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 250 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional for decoration:
- Pearl sugar
- Chocolate drizzle
Method
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly. - Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle with the dough. Pipe small shapes such as rounds, pretzels, or S-shapes onto a lined baking tray. Decorate with pearl sugar if desired. - Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender, crisp texture. - Cool and Store
Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to two weeks.
Tips for Perfect Danish Butter Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough and even mixing.
- Do not overmix flour into the butter; this can make cookies tough.
- Chilling the dough improves shape retention and texture.
- Pipe consistent shapes for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
Danish butter cookies are perfect with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make thoughtful gifts when packaged in decorative tins. You can drizzle with chocolate or sandwich with jam for variation.
Homemade Danish butter cookies are crisp, buttery, and lightly sweet. Following this recipe allows you to enjoy the traditional taste of Denmark in your own kitchen with minimal effort, making them ideal for special occasions or everyday treats.
