Danish Sugar Cookies(Makes About 7 Dozen)
Danish Sugar Cookies are delightfully crisp, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla. Their delicate sweetness and classic sugar coating make them perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Easy to customize with frosting or colored sugar for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients into a bowl.
- Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in beaten egg and vanilla; dough will be fairly soft.
- Shape into tiny balls, then roll in granulated sugar.
- Place on greased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, or until delicately browned.
- Optional: Frost with powdered sugar frosting and decorate with colored sugar, or just roll in colored sugar instead of regular granulated sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can substitute half of the shortening with additional butter for a creamier texture. If you want a more festive touch, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. Ensure your oven is preheated properly for even baking, and check cookies a minute or two early to avoid over-baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Danish Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cream Cheese-Fruit Tarts or Ida Ceconi's Vienna Cookies during holiday gatherings. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Sugar Cookies(Makes About 7 Dozen) contains roughly 1151 calories, with 11g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (58% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 916mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, the texture may be denser, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to roll into balls. Ensure your hands are lightly floured when shaping to prevent sticking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).