Heavenly Danish Butter Cookies
These delightful Danish Wedding Cookies bring back warm memories of my childhood, evoking the nostalgia of those sweet treats I adored from the pink bag. After discovering this simple yet satisfying recipe, I was captivated by the rich buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of finely chopped pecans. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a wedding, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in. With just a few ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll fall in love with baking—and eating—these heavenly cookies!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (Measured)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (Measured)
Butter, softened
1/2 cup (Softened)
Pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Powdered sugar
As needed for rolling (Sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, mixing well.
3
Add in 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of sifted powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the flour mixture.
4
Using a sturdy spatula or your hands, mix until all ingredients are well combined, creating a stiff dough.
5
Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them on ungreased baking sheets with enough space between each cookie.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
7
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them generously.
9
Let the cookies cool completely on the wire racks before serving or storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Danish Butter Cookies?
Heavenly Danish Butter Cookies are delightful, buttery treats reminiscent of nostalgic Danish Wedding Cookies often found in pink bags.
Are Danish Wedding Cookies the same as these butter cookies?
Yes, the recipe description identifies them as Danish Wedding Cookies, perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in.
What temperature should the oven be for Danish Butter Cookies?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 cup plus an additional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What type of nuts are used in Danish Butter Cookies?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans to provide a rich flavor and crunch.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted powdered sugar for the dough to ensure a smooth consistency.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
What size should the cookie dough balls be?
Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls before placing them on the baking sheet.
Is cinnamon included in this cookie recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is mixed with the flour for a subtle spice.
How much vanilla extract should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for this batch.
Should I grease the baking sheets?
No, the instructions specify placing the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets.
When do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they are still warm, after they have cooled slightly on the baking sheets.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
While pecans are traditional for this recipe, you could substitute them with finely chopped walnuts or almonds.
What is the texture of the cookie dough?
The dough should be mixed until all ingredients are well combined, creating a stiff dough.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, this specific recipe for Heavenly Danish Butter Cookies is egg-free.
What tools should I use to mix the dough?
You can use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients into a stiff dough.
How should I cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets first, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Can these cookies be served at weddings?
Absolutely, they are also known as Danish Wedding Cookies and are perfect for wedding gatherings.
How much powdered sugar goes into the dough?
The dough itself requires 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar.
Is extra powdered sugar needed for the coating?
Yes, you should have extra powdered sugar as needed for rolling the warm cookies.
What gives these cookies their nostalgic flavor?
The combination of butter, pecans, and a powdered sugar coating creates the classic taste of childhood treats.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it chilled, though you may need to let it soften slightly to roll it into balls.
Why use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar helps create a more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture typical of Danish butter cookies.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, substituting almond extract can provide a different but delicious nutty flavor profile.
What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking may make the cookies too hard; it is best to remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredient entries, including the sugar for rolling.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, their festive look and rich taste make them ideal for holiday dessert platters.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to room temperature, not melted, to achieve the correct dough consistency.