Danish butter cookies are a beloved treat known for their rich buttery flavor, tender texture, and beautiful swirl shapes. Whether you’ve enjoyed them from the iconic blue tins or want to bake your own at home, making Danish butter cookies is easier than you might think! In this article, I’ll walk you through a straightforward recipe and share tips to help you create perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will impress family and friends.
What Makes Danish Butter Cookies Special?
Danish butter cookies are essentially a type of shortbread cookie, but what sets them apart is their delicate crispness and the classic piped swirl shape. They are buttery, slightly sweet, and often flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. The dough is thick and rich, which means these cookies are tender yet hold their shape beautifully when baked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Danish butter cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients:
– 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for a finer texture)
– ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
– 1 large egg
– 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (or substitute with vanilla bean paste for flecks of vanilla)
– 2 cups (284 g) all-purpose flour
– Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
You can also add almond extract if you want a nutty twist or sprinkle colored sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to incorporating air and creating a tender cookie.
3. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt (if using unsalted butter). Beat until everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate the Flour
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour. Mix until mostly combined, then finish by folding the dough with a spatula to ensure all flour is incorporated. The dough will be thick and somewhat stiff—perfect for piping.
5. Pipe the Cookies
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (Ateco #827 or Wilton 1M are popular choices). Pipe the dough into 2-inch circles or rosettes on your prepared baking sheets. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic baggie with the corner snipped off, though the classic swirl shape won’t be as defined.
6. Sprinkle Sugar (Optional)
For a delightful crunch and sparkle, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
7. Bake Until Light Golden
Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender rather than crisp.
8. Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet or a wire rack. This step helps them set properly and achieve that perfect tender texture.
Tips for Perfect Danish Butter Cookies
– Use high-quality butter: The flavor of the butter shines through in these cookies. Brands like Kerrygold are favorites among bakers.
– Don’t chill the dough: For piping, the dough should be at room temperature. Cold dough is harder to pipe and won’t create the signature swirls easily.
– Try flavor variations: Add almond extract, lemon zest, or even dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a fun twist.
– Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
– Use the right piping tip: A large star tip (at least ½ inch wide) helps create the classic Danish cookie look.
Fun Variations to Try
– Chocolate-dipped: Dip edges in dark, milk, or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
– Coconut-flavored: Mix shredded coconut into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
– Lemon zest: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
– Almond cookies: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty aroma.
Making Danish butter cookies at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a wonderful buttery aroma and leaves you with delicious cookies to enjoy or gift. The process is simple, and the results are truly delightful.
Enjoy your baking adventure!