What makes Danish Butter Cookies Classic different from regular butter cookies?

Danish Butter Cookies Classic are known for their higher butter content, delicate crumb, and crisp yet tender texture. Traditional Danish butter cookies focus on simple ingredients and precise technique, resulting in a richer flavor compared to standard butter cookies.

Can I make Danish butter cookies without a piping bag?

Yes, while piping is traditional for butter cookies Danish style, you can also use a cookie press or shape the dough by hand. However, piping helps achieve the classic look associated with old fashioned Danish butter cookies classic recipes.

How do I keep Danish butter cookies crisp after baking?

To keep the best Danish butter cookies crisp, allow them to cool completely before storing. Store Danish Butter Cookies Classic in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Can Danish butter cookies be frozen?

Yes, Danish Butter Cookies Classic freeze well. You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked piped dough. This makes it easy to enjoy traditional Danish butter cookies anytime while preserving their flavor and texture.

Danish Butter Cookies Classic – Easy Traditional Recipe 2026

Name: Danish Butter Cookies Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 36 cookies
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; Extra granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Description

A timeless, melt‑in‑your‑mouth butter cookie—light, crisp, and rich. This classic style is what many people picture when they think of Danish butter cookies from the iconic blue tins. The recipe below is based on a well‑loved version that’s praised for delivering that exact nostalgic taste.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (about 36 cookies)

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups all‑purpose flour
Extra granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

📝 Instructions

Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until combined and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Add salt, vanilla, and the egg; beat until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add flour
Reduce mixer speed to low, then gradually add the flour until mostly combined. Finish with a few stirs by hand to ensure all flour is incorporated; the dough will be thick.

Step 4: Pipe cookies
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe 2‑inch circles onto the prepared sheets. Sprinkle lightly with extra granulated sugar.

Step 5: Bake
Bake one sheet at a time until the cookies are lightly golden, about 15–17 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the sheet before storing or serving.

Notes

Butter quality matters. Use a good‑quality butter for the best flavor; this is a common tip from experienced bakers for classic butter cookies.
Storage. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
No piping bag? You can explore alternative portioning; some versions of butter cookies use piping bags or cookie presses. A popular variation from BBC Good Food shows piping small swirls onto trays, then baking until pale golden—another classic method that yields similar results.
Flavor tweak. If desired, you can swap vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste for flecks of vanilla, or experiment with salt level if using salted butter. These kinds of small swaps are common across trusted recipes.

Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~15–17 minutes per sheet
Category: Dessert / Cookies
Method: Baked / Piped
Cuisine: American