These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately sweet with a tender crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. The golden exterior gives way to a moist, melt-in-your-mouth center, and the glossy vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of elegance and sweetness. Perfect for tea parties, holiday trays, or faith-based gatherings, they’re easy to make, easy to love, and impossible to ignore. One bite and they’ll be the cookie everyone asks you for again and again.
🧈 Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional, for a citrus twist)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or coconut milk for a tropical flair)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a drop of food coloring or edible shimmer for festive presentation
🍪 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for that meltaway texture, so don’t rush it.
Add the vanilla extract and citrus zest (if using), and mix until incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough will be pale and slightly sticky but should hold its shape.
Step 2: Chill and Shape
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor. Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a more uniform look, gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. They should remain pale on top and soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking—these cookies are meant to be tender, not crisp.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool but retain that dreamy, crumbly texture.
Step 4: Glaze and Shine
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spoon the glaze over each one. For a more polished look, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and let the excess drip off. Add shimmer, sprinkles, or zest if you’re feeling festive.
Let the glaze set for 30 minutes at room temperature, or pop the cookies into the fridge for 10 minutes to speed things up.
🎉 Tips & Variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut or swap vanilla for coconut extract in the glaze.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
- Savory-Sweet Mashup: Add a pinch of rosemary or thyme to the dough for a subtle herbal note.
- Presentation Magic: Serve on a tiered tray with edible flowers or citrus slices for a show-stopping display.
These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of your creativity and warmth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to lift your own spirits, they’re a beautiful reminder that joy can be shared one bite at a time.
Want to brainstorm a tropical version next? Or maybe a sugar-free party tray combo? I’m all in!