Melting Moments with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar 1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the buttercream filling: For the buttercream filling:
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the cookies.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
10. 10.
11. 11.
    For the buttercream filling:
12. 12.
    In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
13. 13.
    Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is light and fluffy.
14. 14.
    Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of the buttercream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
15. 15.
    Sandwich another cookie on top, pressing gently to create a delicious Melting Moment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to grate only the outer yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before using to ensure a smooth buttercream filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a tangy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the buttercream filling.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or instant coffee to the dough.
• To make the cookies extra festive, roll the dough balls in colored sugar before flattening them with a fork.
• Store the Melting Moments in an airtight container to maintain their delicate texture.
• Serve these cookies alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Melting Moments on a beautiful platter or a tiered cake stand for an elegant presentation. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Melting Moments in a circular pattern, alternating the direction of the crisscross pattern on each cookie. Garnish the platter with fresh lemon slices or edible flowers for a visually appealing display.