Irresistible Melting Moments Christmas Cookies Recipe

Buttery Melting Moments Christmas Cookies Recipe for Jolly Baking

Soft, buttery cookies melt your heart with their delicate Christmas cookie magic.

These delightful melting moments Christmas cookies dance with powdered sugar and subtle sweetness.

Generations of bakers have cherished this classic recipe passed down through warm kitchens.

Light as air and rich with traditional flavor, these cookies practically dissolve on your tongue.

Simple ingredients come together to create a festive treat that sparks holiday joy.

Delicate and elegant, these morsels will be the star of your seasonal dessert spread.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 57 minutes

Calories: 147 kcal

Servings: 25

Melting Moments Christmas Cookies Ingredient Rundown

For Buttery Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds rich flavor to the cookies. Choose high-quality butter with at least 80% butterfat for best results.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create an incredibly delicate and crumbly cookie texture that literally melts on your tongue. Look for pure, finely ground cornstarch without additives.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies light and delicate. Select unbleached flour for a more natural taste and better texture.
  • Confectioners' Sugar, Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile. Opt for fresh, clump-free confectioners' sugar and fine sea salt for optimal mixing.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cookie's flavor. Choose pure vanilla extract over artificial versions for a more authentic taste. Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla work wonderfully in this recipe.
For Finishing:
  • Confectioners' Sugar (Topping): Creates a beautiful, snow-like dusting that adds sweetness and elegant presentation. Sift sugar to ensure a smooth, even coating on the delicate cookies.

Tools for Baking Melting Moments Christmas Cookies

  • Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for sifting dry ingredients together.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients and forming dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Baking sheets: Large, flat surfaces for baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Teaspoon: Used for portioning cookie dough.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool uniformly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free.

How to Make Melting Moments Cookies for the Holidays

  • Flour Mixture Preparation

Gather your dry ingredients and blend them smoothly, creating a light and airy base for these delicate cookies.

  • Butter Transformation

Whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes soft and cloud-like, releasing a gentle sweet aroma.

  • Dough Development

Carefully fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, gently forming a tender dough that barely holds together.

  • Cookie Shaping

Roll small clusters of dough into delicate round shapes, placing them gracefully on lined baking surfaces.

  • Chilling Moment

Let the cookie clusters rest in the cold embrace of the refrigerator, allowing them to firm up and develop deeper flavors.

  • Oven Magic

Bake the cookies until their edges turn a soft golden color, creating a delicate crunch and warm kitchen atmosphere.

  • Sugar Dusting

While the cookies are still warm, shower them with a gentle snowfall of powdery sugar, transforming them into winter wonderland treats.

  • Cooling and Storing

Allow the cookies to cool completely, then gift or store them in a sealed container to preserve their magical texture.

  • Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive colored sugar over the warm cookies for a Christmas-themed decorative touch that adds sparkle and crunch.
  • Nestle a sheet of parchment paper between cookie layers when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature before creaming to achieve that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistibly smooth.
  • Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the cookie's delicate, tender crumb.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla to create unique variations that surprise and delight holiday guests with unexpected taste profiles.

Serving Melting Moments Cookies Cheerfully

  • Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange the melting moments on a beautiful holiday-themed serving plate, surrounded by fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of extra powdered sugar for a magical Christmas presentation.
  • Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these delicate cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey or cinnamon tea, creating a perfect sweet moment during relaxed winter gatherings with friends and family.
  • Gift-Worthy Dessert Packaging: Package these melt-in-your-mouth cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, making them an adorable homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.
  • Sweet Dessert Pairing: Complement the cookies with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat that enhances their delicate texture and powdery sweetness.

Storing Melting Moments Christmas Cookies

  • Quick Batch Preparation: Make double the cookie dough and freeze half for spontaneous baking moments during busy holiday weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers to maintain quality for up to 3 months.
  • Temperature-Smart Storing: Keep cookies in airtight ceramic or glass containers at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Layer between wax paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain delicate texture.
  • Gift-Ready Packaging: Pack cooled cookies in festive tins or clear cellophane bags with decorative ribbons. Select containers with tight-fitting lids to keep cookies fresh when sharing as homemade holiday gifts.
  • Moisture Management: Add a small piece of bread inside storage containers to help maintain softness and prevent cookies from becoming dry or crisp too quickly. Replace bread slice every couple of days to ensure continued freshness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Irresistible Melting Moments Christmas Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Melting Moments Christmas Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Melting Moments Christmas cookies offer delicate shortbread-style rounds with creamy vanilla filling. Festive treats from Australian bakeries provide sweet comfort during holiday celebrations that welcome family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 tbsps (226 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) cornstarch
  • ¾ cup plus 1 tbsp (100 g / 3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) confectioners’ sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) confectioners’ sugar (sifted) for topping

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Sift cornstarch, flour, and salt into a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  2. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to combine butter and confectioners’ sugar, whipping until the mixture becomes ethereal and voluminous, then incorporate vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration.
  3. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture at low speed, creating a smooth, consistent dough that’s ready for shaping.
  4. Chilling and Positioning: Shape dough into uniform 1-inch balls, arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets with ample spacing, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to maintain structural integrity.
  5. Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), transfer chilled cookie sheet, and bake for 11-12 minutes until edges transform into a golden-brown hue, signaling optimal doneness.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack; while still warm, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar, applying a second light coating once completely cooled.
  7. Storage: Preserve these delicate treats in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness for up to one week.

Notes

  • Chill Dough for Perfect Shape: Refrigerating cookie dough balls for 20 minutes prevents spreading and maintains the delicate round form during baking.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Golden brown edges indicate cookies are perfectly done; avoid overbaking to preserve their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Sugar Coating Technique: Dust cookies with powdered sugar while warm and again when completely cooled for a classic, festive snow-like appearance.
  • Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture and freshness for up to one week.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 147
  • Sugar: 8.2 g
  • Sodium: 0.1 mg
  • Fat: 9.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star