Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread Cookies

Name: Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 87 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup icing sugar (sifted); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1/4 cup cornstarch (sifted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

87 min 24 cookies Easy

All Recipes

Delightfully tender shortbread cookies that truly melt in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are buttery, crumbly, and simply irresistible.

Prep

15 min

Cook

12 min

Total

87 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Shortbread cookies are a classic treat that dates back to Scotland, known for their buttery and crumbly texture. This melt in your mouth version takes the traditional shortbread and elevates it to a whole new level of tenderness and flavour. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. This recipe works by using a higher ratio of butter to flour, creating a richer and softer texture that literally melts in your mouth. The addition of cornstarch helps to achieve that perfect crumbly consistency without being dry. Perfect for novice bakers and experts alike, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results every time.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure butter is fully softened to achieve a fluffy mixture.

Add dry ingredients

Sift together the flour and cornstarch, then gradually add to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.

Incorporate vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Pro tip: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Shape the cookies

Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, place them on the prepared baking sheets, and gently flatten with a fork.

Bake the cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.

Pro tip: The cookies should not brown significantly; they will firm up as they cool.

Cool the cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a hand mixer for the fluffiest texture.
Chill the dough for easier handling and cutting.
Ensure butter is at room temperature for even mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes shortbread cookies melt in your mouth?

The high butter content and the addition of cornstarch create a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.

How many calories are in a melt in your mouth shortbread cookie?

Each cookie contains approximately 90 calories.

Can I freeze melt in your mouth shortbread dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I store shortbread cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

What is the secret to making perfect shortbread?

Using softened butter, chilling the dough, and not overbaking are key to perfect shortbread cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These melt in your mouth shortbread cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive twist, consider drizzling them with chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar. To make ahead, prepare the dough and freeze it for up to a month. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.