These Danish Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and delicately sweet, perfect for a tea-time treat or a homemade gift. They are easy to make and have a wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients:
- 250g salted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 130g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 270g cake flour
- 70g corn starch
- 20g milk powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Cream the Butter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg, icing sugar, and vanilla essence to the butter. Mix well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sift in the cake flour, corn starch, and milk powder. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork to create a pattern.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious Danish Butter Cookies with tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tea Time: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Gifts: Pack them in a decorative tin for a homemade gift.
- Decorate: Optionally, you can dip the cooled cookies in chocolate or sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
Cooking Tips:
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to keep the cookie sizes uniform for even baking.
- Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic Flavor: Rich, buttery flavor that’s a favorite among cookie lovers.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward process make it a great recipe for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, from everyday snacks to festive gatherings.
Conclusion:
These Danish Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself baking them time and time again. Enjoy these classic cookies as a sweet indulgence or a thoughtful homemade gift!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
- Yes, but you may need to add a pinch of salt to the dough.
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
- Cake flour is preferred for a lighter texture, but all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch.
- How do I make the cookies more flavorful?
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking or mix in some chocolate chips or nuts.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- How do I store leftover cookies?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I substitute the egg in the recipe?
- Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the egg.
- What if I don’t have corn starch?
- You can omit the corn starch, but it helps to achieve a more delicate texture.
- Can I add flavorings like lemon or almond extract?
- Yes, you can add a few drops of your favorite extract for a different flavor.
- How can I make the cookies more decorative?
- Use cookie cutters for different shapes or add sprinkles before baking.
- What can I do if my dough is too soft to shape?
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.