Description
Danish butter cookies deliver a nostalgic taste of Copenhagen’s sweet traditions. Simple ingredients create delicate, melt-in-mouth treats that connect you with classic European baking pleasures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency.
- Incorporate the large egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar blend, whisking until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
- Separately, sift together all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently combining until a cohesive, soft dough emerges without overworking the texture.
- Carefully partition the dough into two equal portions, meticulously shaping each into cylindrical logs approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- Encase each log completely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes, allowing the dough to firm and develop robust flavor.
- Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 350F (175C), simultaneously lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Optional: Roll the chilled dough logs in additional granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet exterior.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into delicate 1/4-inch rounds, positioning them evenly across prepared baking sheets with slight separation.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until cookie edges acquire a delicate golden-brown hue.
- Immediately transfer baking sheets from oven and permit cookies to rest briefly before relocating to wire cooling racks.
- Once completely cooled, preserve cookies in an hermetic container to maintain their crisp, buttery texture.
Notes
- Softened butter ensures smooth mixing and prevents dense cookies, so let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking, creating a more refined texture.
- Rolling the logs in sugar before slicing adds a delightful crispy exterior and extra sweetness to the classic butter cookie.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg