Growing up, I knew it was December when the Royal Dansk butter cookie tin was sitting on the counter. I would fight my siblings for the pretzel-shaped one because I was convinced those tasted better than the others. 20 years later, when December rolls around, I can't help but crave those cookies.
This recipe is just like the classic Danish butter cookies, but dare I say... better! They are buttery, light, and melt in your mouth! Also, this might be the most simple and easy cookie recipe to make. You probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry. You can make these your own with different cookie cutters or cookie stamps and decorate them to your heart's content! Now turn on your favorite Christmas movie and get to baking!
Danish Butter Cookies
Danish butter cookies that are light, buttery, and melt in your mouth, even better than the royal blue tin of cookies!
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie cutter
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter cold
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour plus more for rolling
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon water
- ¼ cup sanding, sparkling, or coarse sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on low speed until fluffy and light in color.
- Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add 1 egg and the vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and salt and mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again to ensure the dough is evenly mixed.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a smooth rectangle. Place between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 9x12 and ¼ inch thick. Place the dough, still in the parchment paper, on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm for about 20 minutes, or refrigerate for about 2 hours.
- Meantime, preheat the oven to 350F and prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, combine the egg and 1 teaspoon water.
- Remove the dough from the freezer/fridge and remove the top parchment paper. Using a cookie cutter or cookie stamp of your choice, cut out your cookies, placing each one evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
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