These Melting Moments Butter Cookies are exactly what they sound like—delicately soft, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for an afternoon tea or any time you’re in the mood for a light, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The best part? They’re eggless, which makes them ideal for anyone with egg allergies or those who simply want to skip the eggs! The combination of butter, icing sugar, and cornstarch creates a texture that’s perfectly crumbly and tender. Here’s a detailed guide to making these delicious cookies!
Ingredients:
- 250g butter (softened)
- 250ml icing sugar (1 cup)
- 125ml oil (½ cup; use a neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower)
- 50ml cornflour (cornstarch) (about 25g)
- 750ml cake flour (3 cups; you may need a little more or less, depending on dough consistency)
- 5ml vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- 50ml custard powder (optional, 25g; this adds a lovely flavor and color, but you can skip it if you prefer)
Method:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F), ensuring it’s fully heated before you bake your cookies. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter, icing sugar, and oil together. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is important as it creates the soft texture of the cookies. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the cake flour, cornflour, custard powder (if using), and vanilla essence into the creamed butter mixture. Stir or beat everything together until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels a bit sticky, don’t worry—you can add more flour, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. The dough should be soft and smooth, but not so sticky that it clings to your fingers. You want it to be easy to handle, not too dry either. - Shape the Dough:
Once you have the dough at the right texture, it’s time to shape the cookies. You can use any shape you like, but the traditional star-shaped nozzle is a popular choice for these cookies because it gives them a beautiful, delicate look. You can either pipe the dough using a piping bag or roll it into small balls and press them gently with a fork or your fingers. If using a piping bag, a large star tip works perfectly for creating those iconic, buttery swirls. - Bake the Cookies:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped dough on it, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for a little spread. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly. - Cool and Decorate:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, decorate your cookies with a dusting of icing sugar, a bit of melted chocolate, or even colorful sprinkles to add a little flair! 😋
Why These Melting Moments Are So Amazing:
- Delicate Texture: The combination of butter, oil, and cornstarch gives these cookies their signature melt-in-the-mouth texture. They literally dissolve when you take a bite.
- Eggless: These are perfect for anyone who is avoiding eggs or looking for a vegan-friendly recipe (if you substitute the butter with vegan butter and the milk for a non-dairy alternative).
- Versatile: You can shape these cookies in any form you like, from stars to simple rounds. Plus, they are so easy to decorate—perfect for festive occasions or tea parties.
- Light and Buttery: With the right balance of fat (from both butter and oil), these cookies are super tender without being too heavy or greasy.
Tips for the Perfect Melting Moments Cookies:
- Room Temperature Butter:
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter helps the dough come together smoothly and creates a better texture. - Don’t Overmix:
Once the flour is added, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, which we want to avoid! - Adjusting the Flour:
The amount of flour you need may vary slightly depending on the brand and how you measure it. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels dry, you can add a small amount of milk to soften it. - Chill the Dough (Optional):
If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This makes it easier to pipe or shape into neat cookies. - Watch the Baking Time:
These cookies bake quickly, so it’s important not to overbake them. Aim for a light golden color around the edges—overbaking will make them crisp instead of melting in your mouth.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make these cookies without custard powder?
A: Yes, the custard powder is optional. It adds a subtle flavor and color, but your cookies will still be delicious without it. If you want a similar effect, you can use vanilla pudding powder or simply skip it altogether and add a little more flour.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can work in place of butter, it might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter is what gives them that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, so if you can, stick with butter for the best result.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls or pipe it into desired shapes, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To bake, just place them on a tray and bake from frozen (they might need an extra minute or two). For baked cookies, freeze them in layers with parchment paper in between.
Q: What can I do with leftover dough?
A: Leftover dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for later use. Just shape it, freeze it, and you’ll have fresh cookies ready whenever you’re in the mood for a treat!
These Melting Moments Butter Cookies are perfect for that cozy afternoon tea or to add a touch of sweetness to any gathering. Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy! 🍪☕