Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Danish Butter Cookies Recipe because it brings that classic, melt-in-your-mouth buttery crunch that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon tea or packing a batch for holiday gifts, these cookies never fail to impress. Their delicate lemon zest and fragrant vanilla make each bite feel special, but the real magic is in how easy they are to whip up — you’ll find that even if you’re no expert baker, these cookies turn out beautifully every time.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how perfectly crisp yet tender these cookies bake to be — and the bonus flavor and texture from dried currants really elevates them beyond your run-of-the-mill butter cookie. Plus, making them into those charming little rings with a star tip is actually super fun, especially if you want to get the kids involved. This Danish Butter Cookies Recipe is absolutely worth trying when you want something homemade, elegant, and truly satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but work together beautifully to create that rich, buttery Danish Butter Cookies Recipe flavor. Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best texture.

• Unsalted butter: Use high-quality butter at room temp for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps create that lovely crisp edge.
• Large egg: Also at room temperature to blend smoothly with the butter.
• Finely grated lemon zest: Adds a fresh citrusy note that brightens the cookies.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s warmth and depth.
• All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
• Dried currants: If you can’t find currants, small raisins can work as a substitute.
• Baking soda: Just enough to tenderize without fluffing the cookie.
• Kosher salt: Balances out sweetness and boosts flavor.
• Sanding sugar: For that elegant sugary coating that adds sparkle and crunch.

Variations

I love playing around with this Danish Butter Cookies Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for. You can easily customize with different dried fruits or add a little spice to change up the flavor.

• Chocolate-dipped: I often dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate — it’s heavenly and adds a nice contrast.
• Nutty twist: Tossing in finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts gives the cookies a lovely crunch.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, though you might need to adjust baking time slightly.
• Seasonal zest: In winter, I sometimes swap lemon zest for orange zest or add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy vibe.

How to Make Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room-temperature butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy – this is key for light, tender cookies. Then add in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients because you want to keep the dough tender.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Currants

Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and dried currants just until everything comes together — you want to keep those currants evenly distributed without overworking the dough. If your currants are a bit dry, soaking them briefly can help keep them plump.

Step 3: Pipe the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer about a quarter of the dough to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch star tip. Pipe small rings roughly 1¾ inches in diameter. The dough can be a bit soft, so freezing the piped cookies for 20 minutes makes them easier to handle and helps them keep their shape during baking.

Step 4: Sugar and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Dip each cookie quickly in sanding sugar, then place them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges turn beautifully golden. Don’t overbake or the cookies will lose their delicate crispness.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once baked, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely — this helps them set up with that perfect snap. These cookies keep incredibly well stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for even longer.

How to Serve Danish Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with sanding sugar for that sparkling crunch, but during holidays, I like to add a little drizzle of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts for an elegant touch. It’s a little extra but makes the cookies feel extra special when gifting or serving guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a cup of strong black coffee or a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea — the citrus notes from the lemon zest pair perfectly. I also love them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to arrange these Danish Butter Cookies Recipe pieces in neat circles on festive platters or stack them in tied-up cellophane bags with colorful ribbons — they make gorgeous gifts that feel handmade and thoughtful. You can even layer them between sheets of wax paper in decorative tins for storing or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Danish butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay crisp and delicious up to 3 days. I also add a slice of bread into the container to help maintain freshness — it’s an old-fashioned trick I learned that really works!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, freezing is your best friend. I freeze the unbaked piped cookies on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop them straight into the oven — no need to thaw — and they bake perfectly every time.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their crispness, a quick 3-4 minute warm-up in a 300°F oven refreshes their texture without drying them out. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about making and sharing this Danish Butter Cookies Recipe — it’s like baking a little piece of tradition right in your kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do because they’re truly foolproof and always a crowd-pleaser. From everyday treats to festive celebrations, these cookies bring a warmth and joy that’s hard to beat, so grab your mixer and start piping — you won’t regret it!

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