Introduction
Crisp, buttery, and delicately sweet, Danish Butter Cookies have long been a favorite treat enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a holiday gift in a decorative tin. These cookies are known for their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and slight crispiness around the edges. Whether you’ve had them from a store-bought tin or baked from scratch, their delicate flavor and crisp yet tender bite make them irresistible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the perfect recipe to recreate these classic cookies at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla.
- Perfectly Crisp Edges – These cookies have the ideal balance of crisp and tender textures.
- Customizable Shapes – Pipe them into swirls or shape them traditionally for a bakery-style look.
- Delicious with Tea or Coffee – A classic pairing for cozy afternoons.
- Great for Gifting – Homemade Danish butter cookies make thoughtful and elegant gifts.
Ingredients 🥄
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar 🍚
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) 🌰
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 2 tablespoons milk 🥛
Necessary Tools 🔪
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with a large star tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Flavored Butter Cookies – Add a touch of lemon zest or cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Dipped – Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant look.
- Nutty Variation – Mix in finely ground almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Add Flavoring – Mix in the vanilla and almond extract, ensuring even distribution.
3️⃣ Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Sift together the flour and salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture, beating until combined.
4️⃣ Adjust the Consistency – Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth and pipeable.
5️⃣ Pipe the Cookies – Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6️⃣ Chill Before Baking – Refrigerate the piped cookies for 20 minutes to help them retain their shape.
7️⃣ Bake to Perfection – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown.
8️⃣ Cool & Enjoy – Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tips for Success ✅
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Chill piped cookies before baking to keep their shape.
- Bake on the center rack for even cooking.
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- With Tea or Coffee – Perfect for afternoon tea.
- As a Gift – Pack them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- With Ice Cream – Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for extra crunch.
Storing and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they lose crispness.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs ❓
Q: Can I make these cookies without a piping bag?
A: Yes! You can shape them using a cookie press or roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and that you chill the cookies before baking.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.
Q: Do I have to use almond extract?
A: No, it’s optional! You can stick to vanilla extract for a classic taste.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: It’s not recommended, as butter gives these cookies their signature flavor.
Conclusion
Danish Butter Cookies with a crispy edge are a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or as a gift, these buttery delights are sure to impress. Try them with different flavors, have fun with piping designs, and enjoy the homemade goodness!
