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These melting moments cookies have been a favorite treat in many households during the holiday season. Their delicate texture and buttery flavor create the kind of cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these cookies bring a touch of sweetness and lightness to any gathering.
I remember baking these cookies for the first time during a chilly December afternoon. The scent filled the kitchen, and they disappeared so quickly that I had to double the batch next time. They have become a must make for every holiday season since.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature so it creams easily and provides a rich, pure buttery flavor
- Powdered sugar: which helps keep the cookies light, airy and soft
- Pure vanilla extract: for a warm, sweet undertone that elevates the simple flavors
- Allpurpose flour: to give the cookies their structure without weighing them down
- Cornstarch: which is the secret to the melt in the mouth texture, making these different from regular cookies
- Salt: added separately for better control of seasoning, balancing the sweetness perfectly
- Powdered sugar for dusting: to give a pretty, snowy finish ideal for festive occasions
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper so the cookies will not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about five minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together the allpurpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar and fold in just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Form dough:
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a oneinch ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet spacing them about two inches apart. Press lightly with a fork to create a shallow indentation without flattening the cookies too much.
- Bake and cool:
- Bake on the middle rack for about ten minutes until set but still very soft in the center. Let rest on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Dust with powdered sugar:
- While the cookies are still warm dust generously with powdered sugar then, once completely cool, add another layer for a snowy finish.
My personal favorite part of these cookies is the cornstarch which is not a common ingredient in everyday cookies but absolutely vital here. It creates a texture that really does feel like the cookie dissolves on your tongue. I always think of the holidays when I make these because they remind me of family gatherings where everyone reaches for seconds.
Storage Tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out. If you want to keep them longer, freezing the baked cookies works well. Just thaw and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the allpurpose flour with a gluten free blend if needed but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Using salted butter is possible but then omit the added salt in the recipe. Vanilla bean paste is also a great upgrade instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. They also go well with jams or lemon curd as a light afternoon treat.
Enjoy these cookies warm with a cup of tea for a cozy treat. They keep well and are easy to make ahead for holiday gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How should I store melting moments cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can melting moments cookies be frozen?
Yes, freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months; dust with powdered sugar after thawing.
- → Is it possible to freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Wrap dough tightly in plastic and freeze in rolls or balls. Thaw fully before baking.
- → Can I add frosting or icing to these cookies?
A light glaze, such as lemon-flavored icing, complements these cookies well but may affect texture over time.
- → What makes these cookies soft and crumbly?
The combination of cornstarch and softened unsalted butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.