There’s something truly special about a homemade treat that brings the family together, and these Danish Butter Cookies do just that. Every week, I bake a fresh batch of these cookies, and it’s become a beloved tradition in our home. My kids eagerly wait for them to come out of the oven, and they’re gone before I know it. These cookies are buttery, crisp, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, packing them in a lunchbox, or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to delight everyone.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

250g salted butter: This is the star ingredient that gives Danish Butter Cookies their rich, creamy flavor. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start, as this will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
1 egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies a tender, slightly chewy texture. It also adds a bit of moisture, preventing the cookies from becoming too dry.

130g icing sugar: Icing sugar (or powdered sugar) is perfect for these cookies because it dissolves easily and contributes to the delicate texture. It’s less gritty than granulated sugar and helps create that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1/2 tsp vanilla essence: Vanilla essence adds a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the buttery flavor of the cookies. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in the overall taste.
270g cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps to keep the cookies light and tender. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the cookies may be slightly denser.

70g corn starch: Corn starch is a secret ingredient that gives these cookies their ultra-fine, crumbly texture. It reduces the amount of gluten formed during mixing, resulting in cookies that are tender rather than tough.
20g milk powder: Milk powder enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the butter. It also helps with browning, giving the cookies a lovely golden hue.

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature by the time your cookies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a light, airy texture. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and vanilla essence to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue to beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. The vanilla essence will infuse the dough with its sweet aroma, making your kitchen smell heavenly as you bake.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, corn starch, and milk powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Shape the Cookies:
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Piping the dough gives the cookies their classic shape and decorative edges. If you don’t have a piping bag, don’t worry—you can still make delicious cookies. Simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork for a more rustic appearance. Space the cookies evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of room between each one as they will spread slightly during baking.

Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden. It’s important not to overbake them; Danish Butter Cookies should remain light in color for the best flavor and texture. If they get too dark, they can become dry and lose that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Storage Tips:
- Store your Danish Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week—although they rarely last that long in my house! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to a month. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Possible Questions:

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
What if I don’t have a piping bag? No problem! You can shape the dough by hand. Roll it into small balls, place them on the baking sheet, and flatten them slightly with a fork. This will give you a more rustic but equally delicious cookie.
Can I add other flavors to these cookies? Absolutely! You can try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist, or even dip the finished cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Why is corn starch used in the recipe? Corn starch helps give the cookies a tender, crumbly texture by reducing the gluten formation. This is what makes Danish Butter Cookies so melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Can I substitute the milk powder? If you don’t have milk powder, you can leave it out, but it does add a subtle richness and helps with the browning of the cookies.

Conclusion:

These Danish Butter Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition that brings joy to our home every week. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields consistently delicious results. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making them as often as I do. Enjoy every bite!