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Authentic Danish Butter Cookies That Melt In Your Mouth

A pile of freshly baked, star-shaped butter cookie treats on a light plate, catching bright sunlight.
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You can make authentic Danish butter cookies at home that have the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create rich, buttery treats just like the ones from the classic tins.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds the texture, so take your time.
  2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M). This helps achieve the classic shape.
  6. Pipe small swirls or rosettes onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1 inch between cookies.
  7. Chill the piped cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents spreading and helps maintain the shape.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake the chilled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature, not melted.
  • If you do not have a piping bag, you can press the dough into a cookie press or simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork.
  • These classic butter cookies are perfect for holiday cookie tins or serving with afternoon tea.
  • You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for some of the vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/easy-danish-butter-cookie-melt-in-your-mouth/