Melting Moments Cookies (Cornstarch Butter Cookies)

If you are not into making decorated cookies because they need effort and time, these simple cookies are right for you. They are perfect for cookie exchange parties. Give this recipe a try and make a big batch in advance. Trust us; they will disappear in seconds!

So what makes these cookies that scrumptious? How can they melt in your mouth wonderfully? Well, it’s not only the butter. It helps a lot for sure, but another ingredient that makes the cookies so soft and crumbly is cornstarch. It has an incredible effect on these cookies! 

These corn flour cookies show up at almost every special occasion we celebrate with our family and friends. This is a life-saver cookie recipe everyone should know. Why?

• These are so easy to make that even the youngest ones can make them. 
• You don’t need many ingredients to make these. You don’t even need to go shopping as you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry.
• They can be made ahead of time. 

The Easiest Christmas Cookies (A Classic!)

These melting moments cookies are one of the classics that everybody knows and loves! They are extremely easy to make and virtually effort-free. You just combine everything to make a soft dough, chill it, shape into balls and bake.  

There is no fancy decorating steps unlike most of the holiday cookies. These are really simple yet super satisfying.  

The added powdered sugar on their tops makes them perfect winter cookies and gives them a wonderful Christmassy mood!

This is the best melting moments recipe that make beautiful edible gifts. You can make them in advance, and they will keep well for up to 2 weeks at room temperature!

Read on to learn how we make these cookies from scratch!

What Are Melting Moments?

Melting moments cookies are originally from New Zealand. Similar to shortbread cookies, they are basically made of butter, sugar, flour and cornstarch. They are also called cornstarch cookies or butter cookies. 

The reason they are also called corn flour cookies is that the recipe contains some cornstarch, which is also known as cornflour. 

Traditionally, they are cream-filled cookies that simply melt in your mouth. But today, you can find many versions across the globe. 

Our melting cookies aren’t made into sandwiches as we love them on their own. But it is very easy to make a batch of frosting and create a bite-sized cookie sandwich.

About The Ingredients

Butter: Use unsalted butter. And make sure it is softened at room temperature. So let the butter sit on the counter for a few hours before you start making the cookies.

Powdered sugar: Also known as icing sugar, this ingredient helps create a smoother, grit-free dough. Do not substitute it with granulated or caster sugar. It defeats its function!

Cornstarch: It is also known as corn flour. These two are the same thing. Cookies made with cornstarch will create such a luscious texture that it feels like it melts in your mouth.

All purpose flour: Make sure the flour is not self-rising (aka self-raising) flour as it contains baking powder. These cookies are unleavened, so you can only use plain flour. 

Alternative Add-Ins:

You can flavor the cookies with any essence or extract. We use vanilla, but almond extract or lemon extract is also perfectly fine.

And it's an opportunity to experiment with other flavor combinations as well. Especially if you use a buttercream topping or make sandwiches.

What Does Cornstarch Do In Cookies?

Cornstarch doesn't change the flavor of the cookies because it doesn't have any taste at all. But it does help the cookies come out perfectly soft and crumbly. We use it in our meltaway lemon cookies too.

Can we use cornstarch instead of flour in cookies? The answer is simply no. They are two different ingredients. Cornflour gives you a soft result but you still need flour to make cookies. And we don't recommend substituting flour for cornstarch. You will get heavy and dense cookies if you leave it out.

We use 1 and ½ cup flour and ½ cup cornflour in this cookie recipe. And we are quite happy with the result. 

How To Make

These cookies with corn flour have an amazing melt-in-your-mouth texture as the name suggests. They are super easy to make and stores well.

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract with an electric mixer (or in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment) until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add in cornstarch, flour and salt. 
3. Cover it with plastic or saran wrap so it doesn't dry out. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
4. Roll the dough into mini balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 1-inch between each. Gently press them down with a fork to give them a nice shape.
5. Allow the cookies to bake for 13 minutes or until their edges are slightly golden. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and leave them on the cookie sheet to cool for 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to touch the cookies at this step. They will be too soft.
6. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack and leave them to cool completely at room temperature. Sift them with powdered sugar.

Chill The Dough Before Shaping!

This recipe for melting moments includes chilling the dough.

If you skip this step, the dough will simply spread or flatten when baking and create wafers. It's the same technique you use when making any type of shortbread cookie. By chilling the dough, you are allowing the heat from the oven to set the outside before the butter in the cookies completely melts away. 

Chilling the dough for half an hour or so and then roll it into balls. The dough is too soft before chilling and it will be hard to shape them. 

Don't spend too much time on shaping. The cookie balls should still be cold and firm before they go into the oven. So shape them fast and immediately put them in the oven.

Shaping The Cookies

As we want to keep things simple, we just use the fork method. After rolling the dough into balls and placing them on the prepared baking sheet, we press on each with a fork to give them a nice pattern. 

Instead of a fork, you can use the bottom of a glass and lightly flatten each cookie dough ball.

If you want, you can skip these shaping methods and leave the cookie balls as they are.

How To Store

You can store the melted moments cookie dough and the baked cookies.

For the dough, simply wrap it in plastic or saran wrap. Keep it inside the fridge until you need it. Keep in mind, you may need to bring the dough to room temperature before being able to work with it and shape balls.

If you want to store the baked cookies, also place them in an airtight container. These cookies need to be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They will last for up to 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Them?

One thing we love most about these melting-moment cookies is how well they freeze. They are very stable and retain their wonderful texture, shape, and flavor.

To freeze them, place them inside an airtight container. Wrap it with a layer of foil and label the foil. Store the melting moment biscuits inside the freezer for up to 4 months. But they are really best when used within the first two.

More Cookie Recipes

• Cake Mix Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
• Lemon Meltaway Cookies
• Turkish Apple Cookies
• Cream Cheese Red Velvet Cookies

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