Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

This simple and delicious Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe delivers the classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture of authentic Danish butter cookies. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create buttery, crumbly treats perfect for any occasion. If you enjoy rich, savory dishes, you might also like the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe or the Ultimate Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe.

Ingredients

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies achieve the perfect tender texture and rich flavor with just a few simple ingredients.

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (75g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for chocolate dip)
• sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Context: This Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it ideal for quick baking sessions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Bring all ingredients to room temperature, especially the butter. This ensures proper creaming and a uniform dough texture.

Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for accuracy.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3 — Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute.

Overmixing at this stage can deflate the air you incorporated, so stop as soon as the wet ingredients are uniform.

Step 4 — Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.

Do not overmix—stop as soon as no dry flour remains. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5 — Shape the Dough

For slice-and-bake cookies, form the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.

Alternatively, you can scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls if making drop-style butter cookies.

Step 6 — Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Arrange cookie dough portions about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden.

The centers may look slightly underdone—they will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking for a tender texture.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This resting period helps them set without breaking and ensures your perfect butter cookie recipe yields crisp yet tender results.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	6g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour — Creates a nutty flavor and lowers carbs for a gluten-free Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe.
• Coconut oil — Offers a subtle tropical note and makes these cookies dairy-free.
• Greek yogurt — Adds protein and a slight tang while keeping cookies moist.
• Monk fruit sweetener — Reduces sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
• Oat flour — Provides whole-grain fiber for a heartier, gluten-free texture.
• Avocado — Swaps in healthy fats and creates an incredibly soft, rich cookie.
• Unsalted butter — Allows total control over sodium levels for a low-sodium version.
• Chickpea flour — Boosts protein content and adds a slightly earthy, dense crumb.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe treats with afternoon tea or coffee for a classic combination.
• Serve as dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd.
• Create a cookie platter for holidays and gatherings by mixing shapes and sprinkles.
• Package in decorative tins or boxes for homemade gifts during festive seasons.
• Accompany with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Crumble over yogurt or pudding to add a buttery crunch to breakfast or snacks.

These Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe ideas ensure your cookies shine for any occasion, from casual snacking to special events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm or melted butter, which causes cookies to spread excessively. Fix: Use cool, softened butter that holds a slight indentation when pressed.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough after adding flour, which develops gluten and leads to tough cookies. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears for a tender, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, resulting in flat, greasy cookies. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to solidify the fat and prevent spreading.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly by scooping directly from the bag, which packs in too much. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Mistake: Baking on a hot, greased cookie sheet, which encourages spreading and browning. Fix: Always use cool, parchment-lined baking sheets for even baking.
• Mistake: Overbaking based on visual cues alone, leading to dry, hard cookies. Fix: Remove cookies when edges are lightly golden; they firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Using coarse sugar instead of fine granulated sugar, which can create a gritty texture. Fix: Use fine granulated sugar for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Mistake: Crowding the baking sheet, causing cookies to steam and bake unevenly. Fix: Leave 2 inches between dough balls for proper air circulation.
• Mistake: Substituting margarine for butter, which alters flavor and texture. Fix: Stick with high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and structure.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through.

Always ensure your Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe reaches room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. For food safety, reheat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F if previously refrigerated or frozen.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking this Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe as much as we do! For more delicious treats, try our Homemade Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe or Peppermint Mocha Fudge Recipe. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more baking inspiration!

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FAQs

Why are my butter cookies spreading too much?

Your butter was likely too warm when you creamed it. For the best results with this Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe, ensure your butter is cool but pliable. Chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for this Perfect Butter Cookie Recipe. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I get my cookies to be soft and not crisp?

To achieve a soft texture, avoid over-baking them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.