Easy Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever fallen head-over-heels for those iconic buttery cookies that come tucked in blue tins, you simply have to bake these Easy Danish Butter Cookies at home. With a delicate crumb and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is a heartwarming nod to classic European baking — but so approachable, you might just want to whip up a batch every weekend. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or treating yourself alongside a cup of coffee, these cookies bring a little everyday luxury to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Danish Butter Cookies is in their simplicity — each ingredient serves a purpose, creating that unforgettable texture and flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll transform humble basics into the most irresistible, bakery-worthy treat.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 227g): Use top-quality, room-temperature butter for ultra-creamy cookies that practically dissolve as you bite in.
• Powdered Sugar (2/3 cup, 80g): This gives the cookies their signature delicate texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Egg (1 large): Adds structure and rich color, holding everything together for perfect swirls.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups, 190g): Provides the foundation, resulting in a tender but sturdy crumb.
• Cornstarch (1/4 cup, 30g): The secret to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and that classic Danish cookie snap.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A dash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to every single bite.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a hint to balance sweetness and boost the overall flavor.

How to Make Easy Danish Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab your stand mixer or a sturdy hand mixer and beat the butter with powdered sugar until it’s gorgeously pale and fluffy. This step is key for achieving the iconic lightness and that charming, crumbly finish. Don’t rush — let it cream for a good 2-3 minutes so every cookie melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is completely smooth and beautifully golden. The egg helps bind the dough while vanilla adds that classic Danish cookie aroma everyone knows and loves.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and salt, then gently fold them into the butter mixture. Use a spatula or your mixer on low — you want a soft, slightly tacky dough. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and avoid a tough bite.

Step 4: Pipe the Cookie Swirls

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe lovely swirls directly onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Don’t stress about perfection — each unique swirl will have loads of charm and home-baked character.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the trays in your fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, while also deepening their flavor and giving you crisp edges with a soft center. It’s a small step with a big payoff.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for those lightly golden edges that signal buttery bliss! Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on the first batch for your perfect doneness.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight tin — if you can resist devouring them all at once!

How to Serve Easy Danish Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, dust your Easy Danish Butter Cookies with a veil of powdered sugar the moment they’ve cooled. Or, drizzle with melted chocolate or add a pinch of colored sanding sugar just before baking to transform them into festive sweets for any occasion.

Side Dishes

These cookies are at their best when paired with a hot beverage — think strong coffee, a creamy latte, or a soothing cup of black tea. They also shine on dessert platters alongside fresh berries, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or even a little lemon curd for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Danish Butter Cookies in a decorative tin or glass jar lined with parchment, tie on a ribbon, and you have the perfect homemade gift. For a charming afternoon treat, stack them high on a cake stand or offer alongside a DIY coffee bar for friends and family to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy Danish Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to prevent any moisture from creeping in.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked dough — when a cookie craving hits, simply bake from frozen, adding a minute to the baking time.

Reheating

While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, revive their just-baked magic by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes. This light “refresh” brings back their crumbly texture and wonderful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce the added salt by half to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter is preferred for more control over the final flavor.

Do I have to use a piping bag?

While classic Easy Danish Butter Cookies have those pretty piped swirls, you can use a cookie press or even form small balls and flatten them gently with a fork for a rustic look — the taste is just as delightful!

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Most likely, the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too warm. Make sure to chill your piped cookies before baking for defined shapes.

Can I flavor the cookies differently?

Absolutely! Try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or even a spoonful of cocoa powder to put your personal spin on Easy Danish Butter Cookies.

What’s the secret to that melt-in-the-mouth texture?

Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, and don’t skip the cornstarch — it’s the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so tender and delicate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, you really can’t go wrong with a batch of Easy Danish Butter Cookies. They’re as simple to bake as they are to share, and every swirl carries a touch of homemade happiness. Dive in, bake a batch, and make your own sweet memories — you’ll be amazed at just how special something so simple can taste!

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