Melting Moments Butter Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Slow Moments

Melting Moments Butter Cookies are tender treats perfect for lovers of light, delicate desserts. Made with butter, cornstarch, and powdered sugar, these cookies have a distinct, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is simple to mix, resulting in soft, golden cookies that are lightly dusted with powdered sugar after baking. Their subtle sweetness and airy consistency make them an elegant option for snacking, sharing, or adorning dessert platters. Serve with tea or coffee, and enjoy the smooth, rich flavor these cookies offer with every bite.

Updated on Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:36:17 GMT
Creamy Melting Moments Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready for a holiday treat. Save
Creamy Melting Moments Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready for a holiday treat. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Melting Moments cookies have been a cherished treat in my family for their impossibly light texture and melt-in-your-mouth finish. The dough comes together in minutes, using just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand, and they always feel like a bakery-level indulgence with minimal effort.

Every time I bake these, the sweet aroma brings back cozy afternoons spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. My kids sneak in for "just one" more before they cool.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter at room temperature: makes the cookies soft and rich select a high-quality European-style butter for best flavor
  • Powdered sugar: gives them their signature delicate crumb sift it well to avoid lumps
  • Cornstarch: adds tenderness and helps create the melt-away texture go for a fresh box for the best results
  • All-purpose flour: brings structure to the dough measure with a light hand to prevent dense cookies
  • Pure vanilla extract: lifts the flavor choose real vanilla for warmth
  • A pinch of fine salt: balances out the sweetness and heightens the buttery notes

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar:
Beat room temperature butter with powdered sugar for at least four minutes until the mixture is pale and light almost fluffy like whipped cream
Add cornstarch and vanilla:
Sift in the cornstarch and pour in vanilla extract then blend just until combined scraping bowl as needed to keep everything smooth
Work in flour and salt:
Gradually mix in the flour and salt stop once a soft dough forms do not overmix or the cookies will lose their tenderness
Shape the cookies:
Use a teaspoon or small scoop to roll walnut-sized balls then space them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet gently flatten tops with a fork dipped in flour for that classic look
Bake until lightly golden:
Bake at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes keep a close eye and remove once the edges are just barely golden let cookies cool completely on the tray before moving
Dust with powdered sugar:
When completely cooled sift extra powdered sugar over the tops for a snowy finish that melts on your tongue
Delicate, just-baked Melting Moments recipe; buttery, vanilla aroma hints before the first bite. Save
Delicate, just-baked Melting Moments recipe; buttery, vanilla aroma hints before the first bite. | meanwhilerecipe.com

It always amazes me how just a few ingredients can create something this special. My favorite part is watching powdered sugar fall like fresh snow—the perfect invitation to that first bite. I still remember dusting cookies with my mom during holiday afternoons, laughing as sugar settled over everything.

Storage Tips

Store Melting Moments in an airtight tin at room temperature up to five days. If stacking, use layers of parchment to keep cookies perfectly neat. They also freeze beautifully either baked or unbaked for quick cravings.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free blend if needed. Try lemon zest instead of vanilla for a citrus twist. Salted butter can be used in a pinch but reduce the added salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a refined treat. Stack two cookies with raspberry jam or lemon curd for an afternoon tea sandwich. They make an elegant dessert plate paired with poached fruit or sorbet.

Homemade Melting Moments Cookies recipe on a plate, perfect with a cup of tea. Save
Homemade Melting Moments Cookies recipe on a plate, perfect with a cup of tea. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Share Melting Moments with loved ones for instant smiles. One bite and you’ll understand the magic.

Recipe FAQ

What gives these cookies their soft texture?

Cornstarch contributes to the cookies' delicate crumb and melt-in-the-mouth feel.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but recommended for easier shaping and better texture.

Why use powdered sugar instead of granulated?

Powdered sugar creates a smoother dough and a tender finish in the cookies.

How long should I bake them?

Bake until the edges appear lightly golden, usually 10–12 minutes at moderate heat.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, vanilla extract or citrus zest pairs well with the buttery base for added aroma.

How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Melting Moments Butter Cookies

Tender, melt-in-mouth butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Complete Time
35 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Sweet Slow Moments

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Western

Makes 24 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Cookie dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 0.75 cup powdered sugar
03 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
04 0.5 cup cornstarch
05 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt

Finishing

01 0.25 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps

Step 01

Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix the butter and sugar: Cream softened butter with powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and arrange spaced 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 05

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just pale golden. Do not overbake.

Step 06

Dust with sugar: Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Gently dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sifter
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains dairy and gluten.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 95
  • Fats: 5.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 0.8 g