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Danish Butter Cookies: A Complete Guide to the Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat

Danish Butter Cookies: A Complete Guide to the Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat
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These classic Danish butter cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly crisp on the edges. They have that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture and a nostalgic holiday flavor everyone loves. Perfect for gifting or serving with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup (227 g) European salted butter, room temperature

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) whole milk, plus more if needed

  • 2 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (50 g) cake flour

  • Coarse sugar for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare baking trays & chill space
    Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Make sure there is room in your refrigerator to chill the cookies later.

  • Cream butter & sugar
    In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until smooth. Add sugar and salt gradually. Continue mixing until pale, light, and fluffy.

  • Add egg yolks & flavor
    Mix in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and milk. Scrape the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

  • Add dry ingredients
    Whisk the all-purpose and cake flour together. Add to the butter mixture in two additions. Mix on low until just combined.
    If the dough is too firm to pipe, add 1–2 teaspoons of extra milk.

  • Pipe the cookies
    Fill a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip. Pipe 2-inch rounds, rosettes, or pretzel shapes. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

  • Chill
    Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading.

  • Bake
    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
    Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
    Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use European butter (higher fat = richer flavor and softer crumb)

  • Chill before baking to keep the piped designs sharp

  • Don’t overbake — pale = tender, golden edges = perfect

  • Pipe while dough is soft — don’t wait too long or it becomes difficult

  • Add different toppings: sprinkles, sugar pearls, or melted chocolate drizzle

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/danish-butter-cookies-a-complete-guide-to-the-classic-melt-in-your-mouth-treat/