Description
Secret Kisses Cookies are irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies with a delicate crumb and rich buttery flavor. Made from simple pantry staples, these small, dainty cookies are perfect for sharing and easily customizable with nuts, chocolate, or spices. Ideal for cozy afternoons or gift-giving, they offer a tender, crumbly texture with subtle sweetness and aromatic vanilla notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Allow the unsalted butter to soften at room temperature. This ensures it will blend smoothly with the powdered sugar, creating a creamy texture that is crucial for the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporating air at this stage helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to deepen the flavor complexity and balance the sweetness.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix in order to maintain a soft, crumbly dough texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place the balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Cool and Store: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, enjoy or package them as charming homemade gifts.
Notes
- Ensure butter is soft but not melted for optimal dough consistency.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.
- If dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Remove cookies once edges are a light golden color to retain softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, Secret Kisses Cookies, soft cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookie recipe, gluten-free cookies, customizable cookies
