Looking for a quick, easy, and tasty treat? Meltaway Cookies are just what you need. These delightful cookies are buttery, soft, and truly melt in your mouth. Best of all, they require only 5 simple ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet snack, these cookies will become a favorite in no time.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works every time, giving you the best meltaway cookies ever!
One reason for this is that these simple meltaway cookies only use 5 ingredients. And you likely already have those ingredients in your kitchen. If you don't, you likely have a perfectly good substitute because this recipe is also easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether that means making vegan meltaway cookies or swapping the almond extract for cherry, this recipe for meltaway cookies gives you plenty of room to get creative in the kitchen.
Additionally, these classic meltaway cookies are the perfect accompaniment to serve as a snack, afternoon tea, or as a decadent dessert. These delicious meltaway cookies are just as tasty when served with a hot cup of coffee as they are when served as dessert following a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Butter:
Butter plays a crucial role in our meltaway cookies recipe, contributing to both flavor and texture. Its high-fat content helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that these cookies are known for. If you are looking to replace butter due to dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several alternatives available. Margarine, coconut oil, and even vegan butter made from avocado or soybean oils will also work due to their high-fat content.
Confectioners' Sugar:
Confectioners' sugar, also known as powdered sugar, is a key ingredient in meltaway cookie recipes for both texture and sweetness. It dissolves more readily than granulated sugar, resulting in a smoother dough and a softer final texture. However, if you are looking to replace the confectioners' sugar, there are several options, such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, and coconut sugar. Using these alternatives may result in changes to the taste and texture of these classic meltaway cookies.
Flour:
While this homemade meltaway cookies recipe calls for all-purpose flour, there are other options should you want to omit it. Almond flour can be used, as can a gluten-free blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour.
Cornstarch:
Cornstarch is often used in meltaway cookie recipes because it contributes to a tender and delicate texture. However, arrowroot powder and tapioca flour can also achieve the same effect if you don't have access to cornstarch or prefer to use one of the alternatives.
Almond Extract:
Classic meltaway cookie recipes use almond extract to add a distinct and aromatic flavor reminiscent of almonds. You can also customize your homemade meltaway cookies by experimenting with different extracts such as vanilla, lemon, or peppermint for a unique flavor twist.
How to Make Meltaway Cookies
Step One:
Cream butter and 1 cup of confectioners' sugar together in a bowl. Sift the sugar with a fine mesh sieve to eliminate clumps.
Step Two:
Once your butter and sugar are combined, add the flour and cornstarch, sifting both as you add them to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
Step Three:
Mix the almond extract into the dough.
Step Four:
Roll roughly 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
Step Five:
Once your cookie sheet is full, gently press each cookie to flatten it to ½ inch thickness.
Step Six:
Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375F.
Step Seven:
Remove from the oven before the edges start to brown, but the bottoms are a light golden brown.
Step Eight:
Dust the cookies with the remaining confectioners' sugar by sifting it directly onto the cookies. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Step Nine:
Serve with a warm beverage, and enjoy!
Tips
- After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Classis meltaway cookies can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone. Keep a close eye on them, and remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
What to Serve With Meltaway Cookies
These homemade meltaway cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Serve them alongside a piping hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a touch of indulgence, consider pairing them with a scoop of creamy ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a bowl of pudding. The buttery texture of these homemade meltaway cookies pairs beautifully with any of these accompaniments to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
FAQs
Why are my cookies too dry or crumbly?
Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. Make sure to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Using too much flour can also result in dry cookies. Be sure to measure your flour accurately. Overmixing can also lead to dry or crumbly cookies, so ensure you are mixing until just combined.
Why did my meltaway cookies spread too much during baking?
When you use overly softened or melted butter to make these simple meltaway cookies, it can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking. Make sure your butter is just at room temperature, not overly warm. Additionally, Insufficient chilling time for the dough can also lead to excessive spreading so ensure you put your batter in the fridge to cool.
How long can leftover meltaway cookies be kept fresh?
Leftover meltaway cookies can be kept fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Cookie Recipes
Who doesn't love a batch of delicious, homemade cookies from time to time? Hopefully, this collection of cookie recipes will inspire you to make a batch for yourself!
Meltaway Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ¼ cup confectioners' sugar divided
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
Instructions
- Cream butter and 1 cup of confectioners' sugar together in a bowl. Sift the sugar with a fine mesh sieve to eliminate clumps.
- Once your butter and sugar are combined, add the flour and cornstarch, passing them through the sieve as well. Mix until just combined.
- Mix the almond extract into the dough.
- Roll roughly 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball and place it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
- Once your cookie sheet is full, gently press each cookie to flatten it to ½ inch thickness.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375F.
- Remove from the oven before the edges start to brown, but the bottoms are a light golden brown.
- Dust the cookies with the remaining confectioners' sugar, passing it through the sieve, and then transfer them to a rack to cool.
- Serve with a warm beverage, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Meltaway cookies can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone. Keep a close eye on them, and remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
Weekend project, totally worth it!!!