Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Danish Butter Cookies pipe buttery shortbread dough into elegant swirls mimicking the iconic blue tin classics, delivering crisp melt-in-mouth texture with subtle vanilla sweetness.

Ready in 45 minutes plus chilling, they serve 36 with delicate crunch and timeless elegance.

Why This Recipe Works

Powdered sugar dissolves completely for smooth texture. High butter ratio creates signature richness. Piping bag creates professional swirls. Room temperature butter pipes perfectly. Short bake keeps crisp without browning.

Ingredients & Prep

Cookies:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Beat butter and powdered sugar 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla and salt; beat until combined.
  3. Sift in flour; mix on low until just combined (dough will be thick).
  4. Transfer to piping bag fitted with large star tip (1M or #824).
  5. Pipe 2-inch circles onto parchment-lined sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Sprinkle granulated sugar.
  6. Chill piped cookies 30 minutes. Preheat 350°F.
  7. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges lightly golden. Cool completely.
Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
Chocolate DipMelted chocolateElegant finish
AlmondAlmond extractNutty Scandinavian
SprinklesColored sugar before bakingFestive holiday
LemonLemon zestCitrus bright

Storage Tips

Airtight tin room temp 2 weeks; freeze 3 months.

FAQs

Won’t pipe?
Softer butter; less flour.

Spread too much?
Chill piped dough longer.

Dry texture?
Don’t overbake; more butter.

Conclusion

Danish Butter Cookies tin-recreate nostalgia crisp perfection.

Print

Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Classic Danish butter cookies that are crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and rich with buttery flavor. Perfect for holiday tins, tea time, or anytime you crave a simple, elegant cookie.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Danish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
  • 3. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until fully combined.
  • 4. Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
  • 5. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • 6. Pipe swirls or rings onto prepared baking sheets.
  • 7. (Optional) Lightly sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  • 8. Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  • 9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use real butter for authentic flavor.
  • Chill piped cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help them keep shape.
  • Store in an airtight tin for up to 1 week or freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Danish butter cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies

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