Heavenly Melt In Your Mouth Tea Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

These Heavenly Melt-In-Your-Mouth Tea Cookies are the perfect balance of light, buttery, and delicate. With just a few simple ingredients, they melt beautifully in your mouth and pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. The texture is tender and crumbly, while the flavor is subtly sweet, with a hint of vanilla. These cookies are perfect for tea parties, gifting, or a cozy snack.

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a slight almond flavor)
• 1 egg yolk (for richness)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for a smoother dough)

For Dusting (optional):

• Additional powdered sugar for dusting, for extra sweetness and presentation

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar dusting)
• Cookie cutters (optional, if you want a shaped cookie)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Time: 5 minutes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Time: 5 minutes

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. The cornstarch is key in giving these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture by making them extra tender.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Time: 5 minutes

1. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough and helps the cookies remain light and tender.
2. Add in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and egg yolk. Beat until combined and smooth. The egg yolk adds richness, giving the cookies a luxurious texture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Time: 5 minutes

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. You can use a spatula or spoon to finish mixing and ensure everything is fully incorporated.
2. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to bring it together. You want the dough to be soft and just slightly sticky.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Time: 5 minutes

1. Take small spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to create shapes.
2. If you want a more traditional look, gently press down on each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly. You can also roll them in a bit of extra powdered sugar before baking for a sugared coating.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Time: 12-15 minutes

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake. The center should remain soft and tender.
2. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)

Time: 2 minutes

1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, sift a little extra powdered sugar over the tops of the cookies for a delicate, sweet finish. This step is optional but adds a lovely touch, especially if you’re serving them at a tea party or as part of a gift.

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Notes:

• Texture: These cookies are meant to be light, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that helps achieve this delicate texture. If you substitute it with regular flour, the cookies might be a little denser, so it’s best to stick with the cornstarch for the ideal result.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Lemon or Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. The zest will brighten the flavor and complement the delicate texture of the cookie.
  • Spices: You can also experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
  • Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, finely chop some almonds or hazelnuts and fold them into the dough for extra texture.
• Storage: These tea cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Making Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough into rounds and bake as instructed.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are great for holiday gifts, tea parties, or as a sweet treat to bring to gatherings. You can pack them in a cute tin or jar, and they make for a thoughtful homemade gift.

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Variations:

• Raspberry Jam Filled Tea Cookies:
  Roll the dough into small circles and make a small indentation in the center. Fill the indentation with a small spoonful of raspberry jam before baking. The result will be a lovely burst of fruity sweetness in the middle of each bite.
• Chocolaty Tea Cookies:
  Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough for a richer flavor. This variation is perfect for those who want a bit of chocolatey goodness with their delicate cookies.
• Earl Grey Infused Tea Cookies:
  If you love Earl Grey tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of finely ground tea leaves to the dough for a fragrant, tea-flavored cookie that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea.

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These Heavenly Melt-In-Your-Mouth Tea Cookies are incredibly easy to make, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked on their delicate, buttery flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!