Butter Cookie Recipe: How to Make the Classic Danish Treat at Home

This butter cookie recipe is easy to follow and great for beginners. The cookies are light, buttery, and perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar

- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the vanilla extract: If you are using vanilla extract, add it to the butter mixture and mix well.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar. Mix until it becomes a soft dough.

5. Shape the cookies: Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball (about 1 inch in size). Place each ball on the baking sheet and gently flatten it with your fingers or a fork.

6. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Do not overbake, as you want them soft and buttery.

7. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Here are some helpful tips to make your butter cookie recipe even better:

1. Use room temperature butter: Soft butter blends better with sugar and flour, making it easier to create smooth dough. This results in cookies that are fluffy, light, and evenly baked every time.

2. Do not overmix the dough: Mixing the dough too much can break down the structure and cause the cookies to turn out dense and hard. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.

3. Chill the dough if it's too soft: If your dough feels sticky or too loose to handle, put it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This makes shaping easier and helps cookies hold their shape while baking.

4. Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly and avoids some being overcooked while others stay raw in the center.

5. Add your twist: You can add extra flavors like chocolate chips, lemon zest, or chopped nuts to the dough. These little additions give your cookies a new taste without changing the base recipe.

6. Do not overbake: Watch your cookies closely. Remove them when the edges are just golden. Overbaking can dry out the cookies and make them lose their soft, buttery texture.

7. Let them cool before storing: Allow cookies to cool fully before placing them in a container. This helps them set properly and prevents extra moisture from building up, which can make them soggy.

Storing your butter cookies the right way will help them stay fresh and tasty for longer. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

- Cool completely before storing: Make sure the cookies are fully cool before placing them in any container. Warm cookies release steam, which can make them soft or soggy.

- Use an airtight container: Store the cookies in a clean, dry, airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture, which can spoil the cookies.

- Layer with parchment paper: If you are stacking the cookies, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking to each other.

- Keep in a cool, dry place: Store the container at room temperature, away from sunlight or heat. Butter cookies can last for up to one week this way.

- Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze butter cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes.