These Christmas Meltaway Cookies are a holiday favorite, offering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a light sweetness that makes them irresistible. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are soft, crumbly, and topped with a festive vanilla glaze and sprinkles, making them perfect for Christmas cookie platters, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
The secret to their delicate texture is the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch, which creates a super-light and airy bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just treating yourself, these cookies are an easy and elegant addition to your Christmas traditions. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and minimal ingredients, you’ll love how effortlessly they come together!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
Making the Dough:
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Baking the Cookies:
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
Making the Glaze:
- Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the cookies: Dip or drizzle each cooled cookie with the glaze.
- Decorate: Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
Serving:
- Let the glaze set for 15 minutes before serving.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Christmas Meltaway Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures a smooth, even dough.
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- For Extra Flavor: Try adding a splash of almond extract for a more festive taste.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a classic meltaway look, dust with extra powdered sugar instead of using glaze.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies.
- Peppermint Meltaways: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
- Nutty Version: Stir in ½ cup finely chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
- Lemon Meltaways: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and swap vanilla extract for lemon extract.
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why are my cookies too crumbly? Make sure to measure the flour correctly and avoid overbaking.
Can I make these cookies without cornstarch? Yes, but they won’t have the same delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How do I store leftover cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can I use different sprinkles? Absolutely! Use any festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even edible glitter to match your holiday theme.
These Christmas Meltaway Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness and delicate texture. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or just treating yourself, they’re sure to bring festive joy. Try this recipe today and let the holiday baking magic begin!
