Baking · serves 2

Danish Butter Cookies

The tin at Christmas. Cornflour paste stands in for the egg.

30 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 200g butter, softened
  • 130g icing sugar
  • 310g plain flour
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for the top

Method

  1. Mix the cornflour and water into a smooth paste.
  2. Cream butter and icing sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Flour, cornflour paste and vanilla in. Add the milk only if it's too dry — you want soft but firm enough to hold a piped ridge.
  4. Pipe rosettes or lengths onto a lined tray with a star nozzle.
  5. 180°C for 10 minutes, turning the tray halfway.
  6. Sugar sprinkled over while warm.

Questions people ask about Danish Butter Cookies

How long does Danish Butter Cookies take?

About 30 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of maida in Danish Butter Cookies?

Use plain atta for a denser, nuttier result, or a 50/50 mix if you want to keep some lift.

Can I make Danish Butter Cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Danish Butter Cookies vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need an oven for Danish Butter Cookies?

Yes, this one needs an oven. If you do not have one, look at the no-oven filter on the baking page: eleven of the bakes here are built for a cooker, a pan or the fridge.

What do you serve with Danish Butter Cookies?

On its own, warm, with tea or coffee. Baking is chemistry, so scale it by weight rather than by eye: double every quantity, use a tin with roughly double the area, and expect to add ten minutes or so. Judge it by the skewer, not the clock.

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