Danish Butter Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Danish Butter Cookies are classic, buttery treats that offer a perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors. With their delicate crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—from festive holidays to cozy afternoon snacks.

Prep Time20

Cook Time12

Chilling Time1

Total Time1 32

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract optional
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
If the dough is too soft to handle, cover it and refrigerate for about 15-30 minutes to firm up slightly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (such as Wilton 1M or 4B).
On the prepared baking sheets, pipe the dough into desired shapes such as circles, swirls, or "S" shapes, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between cookies.
If the dough becomes too stiff to pipe, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use High-Quality Butter: Opt for real unsalted butter for the richest flavor and smoothest texture in your cookies.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s essential for easy piping and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Experiment with Extracts: Vanilla and almond extracts are classic, but try adding a splash of orange or coconut extract for a unique twist.
Perfect Consistency: Ensure your dough is soft but not sticky. If it’s too soft, a few extra minutes in the fridge can make all the difference.
Creative Decorating: Get creative with your cookie designs! Use different piping tips or add decorative toppings like colored sugars and sprinkles to match any theme or holiday.

Nutrition