Description
Danish butter cookies bring nostalgic joy with their crisp, buttery texture and melt-in-mouth goodness. Classic European simplicity shines through these delicate treats that connect generations of sweet-loving families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 225 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Coarse sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, which typically takes 2-3 minutes of vigorous blending.
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, stirring until the ingredients meld seamlessly and create a smooth, uniform base.
- Gradually introduce flour and salt into the mixture, using low-speed mixing to prevent overworking the dough. Stop blending precisely when ingredients are just combined.
- Form delicate cookie spheres by scooping tablespoon-sized portions and gently rolling them between your palms. Arrange these rounds on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation.
- For enhanced presentation, delicately flatten each dough ball using a glass bottom or palm. Optional: Sprinkle with coarse sugar or colorful decorative sprinkles to elevate visual appeal.
- Transfer the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 12-14 minutes until edges acquire a subtle golden hue while centers remain tenderly soft.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, facilitating initial stabilization, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
Notes
- Softened butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture that blends perfectly with sugar.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and consistent cookie texture.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or rolling the cookies in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg