These Christmas Meltaway Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that practically dissolve in your mouth. Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, they are perfect for cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or as a charming addition to your holiday dessert table. Adorned with colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies bring joy to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies beginner-friendly.
- Holiday Festive: Decorate them with sprinkles or food coloring for an extra festive touch.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Their soft and crumbly texture sets them apart from other cookies.
- Customizable: Add your favorite flavors or decorations for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Optional: Food coloring, holiday sprinkles, or powdered sugar for decoration
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and any desired food coloring.
- Gradually add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Boost: Add almond extract or citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Colorful Twist: Divide the dough and use different food colorings for a multi-colored cookie platter.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies don’t require reheating; serve them as they are.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain the flavor balance.
3. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Potato starch or tapioca flour can be used as substitutes for cornstarch.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the cookies should still be soft. Avoid overbaking to retain the meltaway texture.
5. Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, food coloring is optional and won’t affect the taste or texture of the cookies.
6. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Finely chopped nuts or dried cranberries can be mixed into the dough for added texture.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
8. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make an excellent edible gift, especially when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients, but make sure to bake in batches for even cooking.
10. How do I achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture?
Ensure the butter is at room temperature, and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender.
Conclusion
Christmas Meltaway Cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking lineup. Their delicate texture, easy preparation, and festive appearance make them a favorite among cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, sharing gifts, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to add a touch of magic to the season.
Print
Christmas Meltaway Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that dissolve in your mouth, making them a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles, they’re both simple to make and enjoyable to share.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (64g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Optional Decorations:
- Red and green sprinkles or nonpareils
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and all-purpose flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Avoid over-baking to maintain their delicate texture.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and the extract until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add additional milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze and Decorate:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a small amount of glaze onto the center of each cookie, allowing it to spread slightly.
- Immediately add festive sprinkles or nonpareils on top of the wet glaze.
- Allow the glaze to set completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Yield: This recipe makes approximately 20 cookies.
- Customization: For a different flavor, consider substituting the vanilla extract in the glaze with almond extract.
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