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As the holiday season approaches, kitchens fill with the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies. One treat that never fails to delight is the Christmas Meltaway Cookie. These delicate shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them with a hot beverage, these cookies are a festive delight you won’t want to miss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of cookies that dissolve effortlessly on the tongue, then you’re in for a treat. Christmas Meltaway Cookies are incredibly easy to make, yet they leave a lasting impression. Their subtle vanilla flavor is complemented by a sugary coating that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Silicone-lined baking sheets
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 12 Tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract
Optional:
- Red & green sprinkles/nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Add the vanilla and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the salt and flour. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough begins to clump together.
- Scoop the cookie dough onto silicone-lined baking sheets. Flatten each dough ball slightly using the bottom of a measuring cup dipped in powdered sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are just set. Be careful not to over-bake.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be slightly thick.
- Spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies. Immediately top with sprinkles if desired. Allow the glaze to set before storing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t over-bake the cookies; they should remain soft and tender.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by slowly adding milk, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a festive touch, you can add a drop of food coloring to the glaze. You might also experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 89
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Sodium: 38mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze them before glazing. Just let them thaw and glaze them when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer? A hand mixer will work just fine, though you may need to mix a bit longer to achieve the same consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might vary slightly.
Conclusion
Christmas Meltaway Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday treat platter. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet glaze make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures!
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