Danish Butter Cookies (Melt In Your Mouth) Recipe

I am thrilled to share my twist on Homemade Danish Butter Cookies, featuring unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These melt-in-your-mouth treats recall cherished memories and holiday cheer. They make perfect gifts and add a nostalgic touch to any festive celebration. Unwrap the magic.

I’ve always been curious about how such classic recipes endure, and these melt in your mouth Danish Butter Cookies are no exception. I first tried making them when I was experimenting with holiday treats and it quickly became one of my favorite go-to recipes.

I mix 227 grams of unsalted butter, softened just right, with 112 grams of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then I fold in 240 grams of all-purpose flour along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

There’s something special about how these ingredients come together to create a texture and flavor reminiscent of other well-known butter cookie traditions. They remind me of old-fashioned recipes that many have heard of, like some Dutch sugar or traditional Russian styles.

They are unique and perfect for creating thoughtful Christmas gifts that are as tasty as they are memorable.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because first, the cookies literally melt in your mouth and remind me of those cozy holiday memories when everything felt warm and happy. Second, I like how simple it is to make; even if I’m not in the mood for something complicated, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Third, the mix of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla makes the cookies taste super rich and nostalgic, just like homemade treats that bring back my childhood. And finally, I enjoy that there’s some fun creativity in cutting the dough into your favorite shapes, which lets me add a personal touch every time.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create that melt in your mouth texture.

  It’s high in fat so moderation is key.

• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cookies and gives a smooth texture.

  It’s basically refined sugar; not much fibre.

• All-purpose flour: Provides body and structure making cookies soft.

  Its carbs are essential for that light crumb.

• Vanilla extract: Brings a sweet aroma and depth to the overall taste.

  It enhances sweetness naturally.

• Salt: A small pinch boosts all flavors and balances sweetness.

  It refines the taste without overpowering.

Ingredient Quantities

• 227 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 112 grams powdered sugar
• 240 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar until it looks light and fluffy.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and then add the salt, mixing it all in well.

4. Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, and stir until just combined so you dont overwork the dough.

5. Once the dough forms, cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.

6. After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.

7. Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out round cookies. Don’t worry if they dont all come out perfect!

8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color.

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy that melt in your mouth feel.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven set to 350°F
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Electric mixer or a hand whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Refrigerator
8. Rolling pin
9. Lightly floured work surface
10. Cookie cutter
11. Cooling rack

FAQ

Danish Butter Cookies (Melt In Your Mouth) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of unsalted butter, you can use an equal amount of margarine or even shortening if you don’t have butter on hand but be aware that it might make the cookies a bit less rich.
• If you dont have powdered sugar, you can blend regular granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s fine, although it might not be perfectly silky.
• You can swap out all-purpose flour with pastry flour for a lighter texture, or mix cake flour with a bit of all-purpose if you want to mimic the butter cookie feel.
• For vanilla extract, you can use a couple of drops of almond extract as a substitute, but remember its a bit stronger so use less.
• If you run out of regular salt, a pinch of kosher salt can work just fine, just adjust the amount so it doesn’t get too salty.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the butter is soft enough so it creams properly, but don’t let it get too melty, or your dough might turn out sticky.
2. When you add the flour, stir it in gently so you dont overwork the mixture, which can make your cookies tough.
3. If your kitchen’s warm, consider chilling the dough a bit longer than 30 minutes to keep it easy to roll and help the cookies hold their shape.
4. Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven since every oven heats a little differently—take them out as soon as the edges turn light golden for that perfect bite.