Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Melting Moments are delicate butter cookies that simply melt in your mouth. These tender, lightly sweet cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat with tea.

The image shows several small, soft-looking dough pieces dusted with a thick layer of white powdered sugar. Each piece is light yellow with a smooth texture and slightly rounded edges, sitting on a white marbled surface covered in more powdered sugar, creating a contrast between the yellow dough and bright white sugar. The pieces are arranged close together, and the powdered sugar looks fluffy and unevenly spread, adding texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (corn flour)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Beat butter and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the flour mixture. Mix until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Divide dough into 2–3 equal portions and place each on plastic wrap. Roll each into a 1-inch diameter log and twist ends to seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Step 6: Slice chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place on the baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart.
  7. Step 7: Chill the cookie slices in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove and cool completely.
  9. Step 9: Sprinkle tops with sifted powdered sugar, or roll slightly cooled cookies in powdered sugar for a classic finish.
  10. Step 10: Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.

Tips & Variations

  • Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness and to let the vanilla flavor shine.
  • Chilling the dough logs before slicing helps maintain cookie shape and texture.
  • For a festive touch, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
  • Rolling the baked cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm gives a more intense coating.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well at room temperature for about 2 weeks. Reheat gently if desired, but these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture.

How to Serve

Several small, soft, pale yellow dough balls are arranged on a white marbled surface, each ball lightly coated with a thick layer of white powdered sugar on top. The dough balls have a smooth texture with a slightly golden tint at the base where they touch the surface. Powdered sugar is scattered around them, creating a snowy effect on the white marbled background. The focus is sharp on the front dough balls, showing the fine texture of the powdered sugar and the dough’s softness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies hold their shape and develop a tender, crumbly texture rather than spreading too much during baking.

Print

Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies Recipe

Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery shortbread treats perfect for the holiday season. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with a tender blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, enhanced with vanilla extract and topped generously with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Ideal for sharing or gifting, this recipe yields deliciously soft, crumbly cookies that are sure to become a holiday favorite.

  • Author: Logan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western, Christmas
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (corn flour)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes.
  3. Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine flour mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until all ingredients are well combined into a uniform dough.
  5. Form and chill: Divide the dough into 2 to 3 equal portions. On separate pieces of plastic wrap, roll each portion into a 1-inch diameter log. Tightly twist the ends of the plastic wrap to encase the dough airtight. Refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm.
  6. Slice and chill again: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator, slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place slices on the baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes to chill before baking.
  7. Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies until the edges turn lightly golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their tender texture.
  8. Cool and add topping: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  9. Finish with powdered sugar: Once cooled, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sifted powdered sugar or roll the slightly cooled cookies in the powdered sugar for a complete coating.
  10. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container, layered with wax paper, for up to two weeks to preserve freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
  • Chilling the dough logs before slicing helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • You can roll the finished cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm for a different texture.
  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
  • Cookies will keep well wrapped in an airtight container for about two weeks.
  • This recipe is perfect for gifting when wrapped in festive packaging.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, melting moments, butter cookies, holiday dessert, shortbread, vanilla cookies, festive cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies

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