Danish butter cookies hold a special place in many hearts, often evoking memories of festive gatherings or cozy afternoons. These delightful treats are not only buttery and rich but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for holiday gifting, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or satisfying a sweet tooth at any time, they’re truly a quintessential cookie. Plus, the simple ingredients and straightforward process make them achievable for bakers of all skill levels.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of Danish butter cookies. First off, they’re quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute celebrations. They bring a touch of authentic Scandinavian charm to your dessert table that your friends and family are sure to love.
“These cookies have become a staple in our holiday cookie box! They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the chocolate dip just takes them to the next level.” – Emily R.
Moreover, these cookies are adaptable to various occasions—from cookie exchanges to birthday celebrations, or even as a surprise for a loved one. Their festive sprinkles and chocolate dip give them a beautiful presentation, ensuring they not only taste good but look delightful too!
How to make Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
Step-by-step overview
Making Danish butter cookies is a delightful experience that doesn’t require extensive baking skills. The process involves creating a buttery dough, piping it into beautiful shapes, and finishing off with a chocolate dip for that perfect sweet touch. Ready to bring some Scandinavian magic into your kitchen? Here’s how it all comes together:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla for that rich flavor.
- Stir in the flour and salt, then adjust consistency with milk.
- Pipe your cookies onto a baking sheet and chill.
- Bake until golden, then dip and decorate!
Ingredients
What you’ll need
Before diving into the kitchen, gather these essential ingredients for your Danish butter cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 3 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate (for dipping)
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles (for decoration)
Feel free to explore alternatives, like brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a vegan option!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s break down the process so you can easily whip up these luscious cookies:
- In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together 1 cup room temperature butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar for several minutes. The result should be light and airy.
- Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is well combined.
- Slowly incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt on low speed until just combined.
- Pour in 2 teaspoons of milk, mixing again until you reach a pipeable consistency. You can add a tiny bit more milk if necessary, but less is more here!
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large piping tip, and pipe 2-inch swirls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each cookie.
- Refrigerate the baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Once done, let the cookies sit for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate by melting it using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second increments until fully melted.
- Dip the bottom two-thirds of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment paper and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles. Allow them to dry completely before serving.
How to serve Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
Best ways to enjoy it
These Danish butter cookies are wonderful on their own but can also be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your taste experience. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive flair, present them on a decorative platter with a selection of other homemade treats during the holiday season. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the cookies before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Danish butter cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, which can allow them to last about two weeks. You can also freeze these cookies for up to three months—just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few culinary insights to help you achieve the best results with your Danish butter cookies:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results. This helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in light and tender cookies.
- When piping, keep your hand steady to create uniform shapes. Practice on a piece of wax paper if needed.
- Chill the dough! This step is crucial for maintaining shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Variations
Creative twists
Change things up by experimenting with different flavor profiles in your Danish butter cookies. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate chip: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist.
- Nut and spice: Incorporate ground cinnamon or almond extract for a seasonal flavor.
- Decorative options: Instead of just using sprinkles, try chopped nuts or coconut flakes as toppings for variation.
Common questions
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but if you do, be sure to reduce the salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Q: How long do these cookies take to make?
A: The total time, including preparation and baking, is around 1 hour.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
Now that you have all the essentials, it’s time to gather your ingredients and delight your friends and family with these mouthwatering Danish butter cookies!
Danish Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) Make sure it's at room temperature for best results.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons milk Adjust consistency as needed.
For the chocolate dip
- 3 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate For dipping.
For decoration
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together 1 cup room temperature butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar for several minutes until light and airy.
- Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Slowly incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt on low speed until just combined.
- Pour in 2 teaspoons of milk, mixing again until you reach a pipeable consistency. Add more milk if necessary, but less is more.
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large piping tip, and pipe 2-inch swirls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each cookie.
- Refrigerate the baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies sit for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Dipping
- Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate by melting it using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second increments until fully melted.
- Dip the bottom two-thirds of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment paper and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles.
- Allow them to dry completely before serving.