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Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies

A stack of golden, round butter cookies topped with coarse sugar crystals on a white plate.

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Achieve the rich, buttery flavor and signature tender texture of authentic Danish butter cookies with this straightforward recipe. These cookies dissolve beautifully, making them perfect for tea time or holiday gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for texture.
  2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cornstarch.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie press fitted with your desired shape. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look pale.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the best melt-in-your-mouth cookies, use high-quality, room-temperature butter.
  • If you want a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  • For a variation, substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with finely chopped pecans to make buttery pecan cookies.
  • Store these homemade butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

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