Description
These Vanilla Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats topped with a smooth vanilla icing. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a light vanilla flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or anytime you crave a sweet, tender bite. The simple dough is chilled for easy handling, then baked to a perfect golden edge and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until evenly combined.
- Beat butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a creamy texture that will give the cookies a tender crumb.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, forming a smooth batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare baking sheet and dough balls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into balls, slightly flatten them, and place them on the sheet at least 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges start to turn a gentle golden color. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the icing: In a small bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed to reach desired consistency), and vanilla extract. Mix until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Ice the cookies: Spoon the icing over the cooled cookies, spreading it evenly on top. Let the icing sit for at least 15 minutes to harden before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the icing is set, enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth vanilla cookies with your favorite tea or coffee.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to handle it easily and maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- If the icing is too thick, add milk a little at a time until it’s spreadable.
- The cookies spread slightly while baking, so space them well on the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles on the icing before it hardens.
