Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies Recipe
Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies are the little bites of heaven you want on your holiday cookie platter! Buttery, crumbly, and topped with their signature snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies quite literally melt in your mouth. Whipping up a batch is deceptively simple, but each ingredient works together to make a cookie that’s rich, tender, and utterly irresistible for any festive moment. Whether you’re making them for Santa, your family, or a cozy night in, these classic cookies bring buttery nostalgia and joy all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday pantry items—plus one or two special touches—come together to create unforgettable Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies. Each ingredient has its own delicious purpose, building the flavor, texture, and holiday-ready look you’ll love.
- All-purpose flour: This classic base gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and tender.
- Cornstarch (corn flour): A secret weapon for the melt-in-your-mouth crumb, cornstarch keeps cookies light and delicately crisp.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes every buttery bite shine.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully for a fine, soft texture; plus, it creates the iconic snowy topping.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Butter is the heart and soul, so use a good-quality, room-temp block for dreamy richness.
- Vanilla extract: Warm, sweet vanilla brings that nostalgic, bakery-style aroma and depth.
- Extra powdered sugar (for topping): Sifted generously over the finished cookies, it completes the dreamy winter wonderland look.
How to Make Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. This even blend ensures the cookies bake up light as a cloud, while the salt rounds out all the flavors so your Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies aren’t too sweet.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat that room-temperature butter and powdered sugar until it turns pale and fluffy. This step is what gives the cookies their signature airiness—don’t cut corners here! The mixture should look light and billowy, not grainy or dense.
Step 3: Add Vanilla for Flavor
Pour in your vanilla extract and give it a quick mix. The scent will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer, setting the stage for the loveliest batch of Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies you’ve ever had!
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture you prepared earlier. Mix gently just until combined—the dough will come together softly, and you’ll notice how fragrant and buttery it already smells. Avoid overmixing for the ideal tender crumb.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the finished dough into 2 or 3 equal portions. Place each chunk on its own piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Twist the ends tightly so the dough stays airtight and smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour; this step lets the flavors meld and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Step 6: Slice and Chill Again
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice your chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them about an inch apart on your prepared tray. Give them another quick chill in the fridge—at least 30 minutes—so they keep those pretty, neat edges during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Slide your tray in and bake until the edges just begin to turn the palest shade of gold, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close watch—these cookies are best when just barely cooked through! Let them cool on the tray so they set perfectly.
Step 8: Powdered Sugar Finish
Once the cookies are cool, shower them in sifted powdered sugar as generously as you like. You can opt to roll the barely-warm cookies if you want an extra-thick snowcap effect, or simply sprinkle for a light, elegant dusting. Either way, your Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Beyond the gorgeous snow-like powdered sugar, try dressing up your cookies with a sprinkling of finely grated lemon or orange zest for a festive pop. Edible glitter or a gentle shake of colored sanding sugar makes them sparkle for holiday gatherings, too.
Side Dishes
Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies truly shine on a classic holiday cookie platter alongside candied nuts, chocolate truffles, or delicate shortbread. Pair them with afternoon tea, rich hot cocoa, or even a glass of sparkling wine for a sweet bite between sips.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in clear gift bags tied with festive ribbons, or nestle them in decorative tins lined with parchment for an old-fashioned touch. They also look beautiful arranged like snowflakes on a vintage platter, or tucked into a winter dessert board with berries, chocolate bark, and sugared cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies are designed to last! Once fully cooled and sugared, layer your Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies in an airtight container with sheets of wax paper between them. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to two weeks at room temperature—ready to delight whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, both the unbaked dough logs and the finished cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap logs tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. Or, stash finished cookies (without the sugar topping) in a freezer-safe container, then thaw and dust with sugar just before serving.
Reheating
Because these cookies are so delicate, there’s no need to reheat them before enjoying. If you want to freshen them up a bit, let them sit at room temperature for an hour, or give day-old cookies a quick sifting of fresh powdered sugar to restore their snowy glamour.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just omit the added salt from the recipe, and taste the dough if you like—some folks actually prefer the hint of extra saltiness with sweet cookies, especially around the holidays.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch is what gives these cookies their signature melting texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with extra all-purpose flour; just know the cookies may turn out a bit denser and less delicate.
How thick should I slice the cookie dough logs?
Aim for about 1/2-inch slices so the cookies bake up with a buttery crumb but don’t collapse; they’ll keep their classic look and irresistible tenderness.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled twice?
The first chill allows the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up for easier slicing. The second quick chill right before baking keeps your cookies from spreading, so you get that beautiful, bakery-perfect shape.
Can I make Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and double-check all your other ingredients. Expect a slightly different—but still delicious—texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that’s almost too good to share, these Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies are it! Whether you whip them up for a party, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to add joy and a flourish of sweetness to your holidays. Give them a try and watch them disappear (almost as fast as they melt in your mouth)!
Print
Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the buttery goodness of these Christmas Melting Moments Butter Cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Flour Mixture: Incorporate the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined. Divide the dough into 2-3 equal portions.
- Chill Dough: Roll each portion into a 1-inch diameter log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour until firm.
- Prep and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for an additional 30 minutes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Finish: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or roll them in it. Store in an airtight container between wax paper sheets for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas, Melting Moments, Butter Cookies, Holiday Baking
