1-First Step: Get the oven and pans ready Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup much easier. If you are baking for a crowd or making a holiday tray, setting up both pans first saves time later.

2-Second Step: Cream the butter and sugar Place the room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together until combined and fluffy, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds air to the dough and helps the Danish Butter Cookies bake with a light texture.

3-Third Step: Add the egg, salt, and vanilla Add the salt, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat again until everything is combined, about 1 minute. The dough should look smooth and creamy at this point. If you are using vanilla bean paste, this is the moment to mix it in so the flavor spreads evenly.

4-Fourth Step: Mix in the flour Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour until it is incorporated. Then switch to a spatula and stir by hand if needed. The dough can be thick, and that is okay. If it feels too stiff, add an extra egg yolk for a little more moisture.

5-Fifth Step: Shape the cookies Transfer the dough to a decorating bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe 2-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets. A cookie press also works well if you want different shapes. Keep the cookies evenly sized so they bake at the same pace.

6-Sixth Step: Add the sugar topping Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar before baking. This gives the cookies a lovely sparkle and a light crunch. If you are making them for a holiday cookie tray, a tiny extra sprinkle makes them look especially pretty.

7-Seventh Step: Bake one pan at a time Bake one pan at a time for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown. Baking one tray at a time helps them brown evenly and keeps the shape neat. If your cookies spread more than expected, chill the dough before the next batch.

8-Eighth Step: Cool completely before serving Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet or a rack before storing or serving. Cooling is important because these cookies firm up as they rest. Once cooled, they have that crisp, classic texture people love in Danish Butter Cookies.