Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for the holidays! These delicate cookies are easy to make and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add the Extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Dough into a Disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth disc.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Optional: Add Sprinkles: If desired, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking.
- Re-roll Scraps: Gather the dough scraps, re-roll them, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool on Baking Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Christmas meltaway cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use softened butter, but not melted.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential.
- Bake until just set.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
- Add food coloring for a festive touch.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes